A possible protective role for reduced glutathione in aflatoxin B 1 toxicity: Effect of pretreatment of rats with phenobarbital and 3-methylcholanthrene on aflatoxin toxicity

Abstract

A possible protective role for reduced glutathione (GSH) in aflatoxin B 1-induced hepatotoxicity in male rats was investigated. A 200-mg/kg dose of cysteine (a glutathione precursor) given prior to the administration of aflatoxin B 1, reduced the hepatic necrosis and partially reversed the decrease in the activity of the hepatic drug metabolizing enzyme system seen on administration of the same dose of aflatoxin B 1 alone. On the other hand, prior administration of diethyl maleate, a compound which depletes liver GSH, enhanced the aflatoxin-induced hepatotoxicity. In contrast to untreated rats, pretreatment with phenobarbital appeared to block the liver necrosis and the decrease in mixed function oxidase activity seen on administration of aflatoxin B 1. On the other hand, pretreatment of the rats with 3-methylcholanthrene did not protect against the hepatic damage or the decrease in the activity of benzphetamine N-demethylase seen on administration of aflatoxin B 1.