Serum Vitamin B12 and Glutamic-Oxalacetic Transaminase in Experimental Intrahepatic Obstructive Jaundice

Abstract

Summary A single dose of α-naphthyl-isothiocyanate (ANIT) caused in white rats, within 1 to 2 days, acute intrahepatic obstructive cholangitis. The histologic changes were accompanied by a rise in bilirubin, total cholesterol, and alkaline phosphatase levels in the serum. A marked rise of serum glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase (GOT) and a substantial depletion of liver GOT were found during the first 48 hours after the administration of ANIT. The level of vitamin B 12 in the serum remained within normal limits except for a slight fall by the end of the first week. Although the histologic changes had mostly regressed by the end of the first week, the biochemical changes disappeared gradually within 3 to 4 weeks. The markedly raised serum GOT at the height of the jaundice appears to be of hepatic origin. In view of the only minor morphologic changes of the liver cells and the normal levels of vitamin B 12 in the serum, it is assumed that enzyme may escape from intact liver cells in the presence of obstruction to biliary drainage.