Serum Glutamate Pyruvate Transminase Research Articles

Undetected intraabdominal sepsis due to prolonged corticosteroid therapy in systemic lupus erythematosus: a case report and literature review

Gastrointestinal manifestations are not included in the criteria for diagnosing systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) by the European League Against Rheumatism/American College of Rheumatology (EULAR/ACR) 2019, however, gastrointestinal disorders are one of the potentially fatal complications of SLE. Mesenteric vasculitis and thrombosis are the two main mechanisms that cause gastrointestinal disorders in SLE patients. Long-term immunosuppressants used by SLE patients might alter the immune system’s response to infection, leading to immunoparalysis. The delay in recognizing might cause sepsis, thus increasing the mortality risk. A 47-year-old woman with a history of SLE complained of hematochezia. The patient had been consistently consuming 12 mg of methylprednisolone every day for the past five years without doctor’s supervision. Past medical history of congestive heart failure (CHF) caused by coronary arterial disease (CAD). After 24 days hospitalized for observation of hematochezia, an emergency laparotomy was performed due to deterioration caused by peritonitis. Intraoperative, 60 cm of jejunal necrosis was identified and intestinal resection was done. The patient’s condition improved in two days after emergency laparotomy and intensive treatment. The undetected intraabdominal sepsis caused by jejunal infarction and gut necrosis due to long-term use of corticosteroid that masked the manifestations of severe infection in the gastrointestinal tract infarction and necrosis. Abbreviations: NLR - neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio; SGOT - serum glutamic oxaloacetic transminase; SGPT - serum glutamic pyruvic transminase; eGFR - estimated glomerular filtration rate; PT - prothrombin time; APTT - activated partial thromboplastin time; INR - international normalized ratio Keywords: Systemic lupus erythematosus, Intraabdominal sepsis, Immunoparalysis, Corticosteroid Citation: Leman YE, Irawany V, Manggala SK. Undetected intraabdominal sepsis due to prolonged corticosteroid therapy in systemic lupus erythematosus: a case report and literature review. Anaesth. pain intensive care 2024;28(4):765−771; DOI: 10.35975/apic.v28i4.2525 Received: March 13, 2024; Reviewed: May 17, 2024; Accepted: May 21, 2024

To Evaluate the Hepatoprotective Activity of Leaves of Salacia Chinensis Linn. on CCl4 Induced Albino Wistar Rats

The main aim of the present study is to evaluate the Hepatoprotective activity of aqueous slurry of leaves of Salacia chinensis Linn .on CCl4 induced liver damage in rats. Hepatotoxicity was induced by CCl4 and the biochemical parameters such as serum glutamate pyruvate transminase (sGPT), serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (sGOT), alkaline phosphatase (sALP), Blood glucose level, Liver glycogen level and histopathological changes in liver were studied along with silimarin as standard Hepatoprotective agents. The Phytochemical investigation of the aqueous slurry showed significant decrease in the levels of sGPT, sGOT, sALP as compared to the animals treated with Silimarin, a known, standard hepatoprotective agent. A significant decrease in blood sugar level and liver glycogen was also observed in the animals treated with aqueous slurry of leaves of Salacia chinensis Linn.

Evaluation of Hepatoprotective Activity of Leaves Extract of Pithecellobium Dulce In Experimental Animals

Objective: To evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of leaves extract of Pithecellobiumdulce in experimental rats.
 Methods: For the generation of Hepatotoxicity ,paracetamol (2g/kg) was administered orally for 7days, accompanied by a 7-day dose of Ethanolic extract of Pithecellobiumdulceleaves(100mg/kg, 200mg/kg, and400mg/kg, p.o.)using 1 % w/v CMC as a vehicle.
 Results: From the present investigation, it was observed that ethanolic extract of Pithecellobium dulce have shown significant reduction in serum glutamate oxaloacetate transminase (SGOT),serum glutamate pyruvate transminase (SGPT),alkaline phosphatase (ALP) triglyceride, bilirubin level in paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity.
 Conclusion: The findings in this study revealed the effectiveness of ethanolic extract of Pithecellobiun dulce against hepatotoxicity activity.
 

Giving Combination of Alkaline Water and Organic Calcium Sources Towards Liver Health Indicators in Broiler Chicken

The purpose of this study was to determine the liver health in broiler chickens which were fed with additional organic calcium sources combined with alkaline water. The material used was 240 broilers with an average body weight of 195.25 ± 6.85 g. The study used a completely randomized design with a 2x3 factorial pattern, the first factor was 3 levels of alkaline water, namely 0% (A1), 10 mL (A2) and 20 mL. (A3), and the second factor is 2 levels of organic calcium sources, namely eggshell flour (B1) and shellfish (B2). Each treatment was repeated 4 times, each filled with 7 heads. Parameters measured were serum glutamate okasaloacetate transminase (SGOT), serum glutamate pyruvate transminase (SGPT) and relative liver weight. The results showed that the combination of alkaline water and organic calcium sources showed an interaction with SGOT, while the relative weight of the liver and SGPT had no interaction. The conclusion is that the combination of alkaline water levels up to 20 mL and organic calcium sources (eggshell and shellfish flour) is not harmful to broiler liver.Keywords: alkaline water, broiler chickens, liver indicators and sources of calcium

Effect of Xylocarpus granatum Bark Extract on Amelioration of Hyperglycaemia and Oxidative Stress Associated Complications in STZ-Induced Diabetic Mice.

Xylocarpus granatum is a medicinal mangrove plant, traditionally used for the treatment of diarrhoea, cholera, fever, dyslipidaemia, inflammation, etc. The present study was aimed to evaluate the in vitro antidiabetic (α-glucosidase inhibition assay) and antioxidant (ABTS scavenging and metal chelating assay) activities of ethanol, methanol, and aqueous extracts of leaves and barks of X. granatum followed by in vivo antidiabetic and antioxidant evaluation of ethanol bark extracts in streptozotocin- (STZ-) induced diabetic mice. The in vitro evaluation revealed higher α-amylase inhibition and ABTS scavenging activities in ethanol bark extracts of X. granatum (XGEB). Administration of XGEB at 100 and 200 mg/kg BW doses to STZ-induced diabetic mice resulted in significant decrease (P < 0.05) in blood glucose, triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamate pyruvate transminase (SGPT), and urea levels in the serum of the extract administered groups as compared to diabetic control group. The levels of SOD, CAT, GPx, GR, and GST in liver along with LPx, SOD, GST, and GR activities in brain tissues were found to be ameliorated in XGEB treated diabetic mice. Histopathological alternations of liver tissues were also found to be restored in XGEB treated diabetic groups. The HPLC fingerprint analysis of XGEB revealed the presence of simple polyphenols, isoflavone, and flavonol-like compounds. The DSC and UV-VIS analysis also confirmed the presence of phenolic compounds in XGEB. The GC-MS analysis of XGEB showed the presence of a number of bioactive compounds. These results demonstrated the beneficial effect of XGEB in controlling hyperglycaemia and ameliorating oxidative stress associated complications associated with diabetes.

Antioxidant and Hepatoprotective Potential of Swaras and Hima Extracts of Tinospora cordifolia and Boerhavia diffusa in Swiss albino Mice.

Background:In Ayurveda, five basic extraction procedures are mentioned in order of their decreasing potency. Swaras is considered as the most potent followed by, kalka, kwatha, fanta and hima.Objective:Present study was carried out to investigate the antioxidant and hepatoprotective potential of swaras and hima extracts of T.cordifolia and B. diffusa.Materials and Methods:Swaras and hima extracts of T. cordifolia and B. diffusa were prepared. Phytochemical screening and in vitro antioxidant activities was carried out using standard methods. Hepatoprotective efficacy of extracts were carried out in Swiss albino mice using paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity. Animals were administered with swaras and hima extracts of both plants at 200 mg/kg BW dose for 7 days and on 8th day hepatotoxicity was induced by intraperitoneal injection of paracetamol at 500 mg/kg BW. The degree of liver protection was determined by measuring the levels of liver enzymes followed by histopathology.Results and Discussion:The results of phytochemical, antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities showed that there were no significant difference between swaras and hima extracts. Both the extract of T. cordifolia were equally potent in reducing SGOT (P < 0.01) and ALP level (P < 0.001). Similar effects were observed with the Swaras and hima extracts of B. diffusa. Both the extracts reduced SGOT and ALP (P < 0.01). Histopathological findings among all the extracts were also more or less similar in lowering the paracetamol mitigated necrosis.Conclusion:The present study suggested that T. cordifolia and B. diffusa possess potential hepatoprotective activity irrespective of the extraction procedure.SUMMARY Aqueous extracts of Tinospora cordifolia and Boerhavia diffusa exhibited significant antioxidant and hepatoprotective activitiesAqueous extracts of both the plants were extracted using different extraction procedures mentioned in AyurvedaSwaras and hima extracts of both the plants significantly reduced the deleterious effects of paracetamol, suggesting that both the plant extracts are equipotentAcute toxicity of both the plant extracts did not produce any toxic effects. Abbreviations used: TC swaras: T. cordifolia swaras; TC hima: T. cordifolia hima; BD swaras: B. diffusa swaras; BD hima: B. diffusa hima; BW: Body weight; LDL: Low-density lipoprotein; HDL: High-density lipoprotein; SGOT: Serum glutamate oxaloacetate transminase; SGPT: Serum glutamate pyruvate transminase; ALP: Alkaline phosphatase; I.P: Intraperitoneal; TAC: Total antioxidant capacity; DPPH: 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl; TCA: Trichloro acetic acid; NO: Nitric oxide; TPC: Total phenolic content; NAPQI: N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine; PCM: Paracetamol.

Malachite green (Triarylmethane dye) and Pyceze (Bronopol) induced histopathological and biochemical changes in the liver of a catfish Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch.)

Malachite green is one of the most widely used therapeutant and disinfectant in aquaculture. Pyceze is a pharmaceutical alternative to malachite green with bronopol as its active ingredient. The present study evaluated the effect of malachite green and pyceze on liver histology and selected biochemical parameters indicating liver function in Heteropneustes fossilis . Fishes were exposed to sublethal doses of malachite green and pyceze and the biochemical parameters viz ., serum bilirubin, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transminase (SGOT) and serum glutamic pyruvic transminase (SGPT) were estimated. After 24 and 96 h exposure, tissue samples of liver were fixed for histological studies. The level of serum bilirubin, SGOT and SGPT increased significantly after 24 and 96 h of exposure to both malachite green and pyceze. Hepatocytes of liver exposed to both malachite green and pyceze were irregularly shaped, with vacuolated cytoplasm, enlarged nucleus and ruptured cell membrane. However, these symptoms were more prominent in the liver tissues of fish exposed to malachite green than those exposed to pyceze. The present study clearly indicated that the detrimental effects are less pronounced in case of pyceze exposure than that of malachite green exposure. Thus, pyceze can be considered as a relatively safe alternative to malachite green as a therapeutant in aquaculture.

Hepatoprotective activity of Somanathi Tamra Bhasma in paracetamol induced liver toxicity in albino- rats

To Investigate the hepatoprotective activity of Somanathi Tamra Bhasma against paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity. The hepatoprotective activity of Somanathi Tamra Bhasma was tested against paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats. The degree of protection was determined by measuring levels of serum marker enzymes like serum glutamate oxaloacetate transminase (SGOT), Serum glutamate pyruvate transminase (SGPT), alkaline phosphate (ALP) etc., and histopasthological studies. Silymarin was used as standard drug for comparison. Administrationof Somanathi Tamra Bhasma (67.5 mg/1kg. Bd. Wt.) markedly prevented paracetamol induced elevation of levels of SGOT, SGPT and alkaline phosphate etc,. The results are comparable to that ofsilymarin. A comparative histopathological study of liver exhibited almost normal architecture as compared to control group. Treatment with Somanathi Tamra Bhasma significantly reduced the paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity. A comparative histological study of liver from different groups further confirmed the hepatoprotective activity of Somanathi Tamra Bhasma.

Pharmacological evaluation of mangiferin herbosomes for antioxidant and hepatoprotection potential against ethanol induced hepatic damage

Context: Fatty liver is the first stage of alcoholic damage which is reversible with abstinence from alcohol. Mangiferin (MF) showed potent scavenging activity on diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radicals which stimulate liver regeneration in various liver injuries.Objective: Although, MF shows hepatoprotection against various liver disorders but due to rapid clearance and limited solubility in lipoid environment, there is problem of its poor absorption from intestine hence poor bioavailability. Owing to which there is a need to develop MF herbosomes to resolve the problem of poor bioavailability to enhance the therapeutic potential.Methods: Successfully prepared MF herbosomes through complexation with phospholipids were characterized by physicochemical, chromatography, spectroscopy (differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), infrared (IR), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)), ex vivo absorption using everted small intestine sac technique and in vivo studies using ethanol inducing hepatotoxicity in albino rats and comparing the results against plain MF.Results: Ex vivo study showed significant increased absorption of MF from prepared MF herbosomes as compared to plain MF. The hepatoprotective potential of MF herbosomes evaluated by in vivo study revealed significantly decreased levels of serum glutamate oxaloacetate transminase (SGOT), serum glutamate pyruvate transminase (SGPT), total bilirubin, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in MF herbosomes as compared to plain MF. MF herbosomes also showed significantly decreased level of malonyl dehydrogenase along with increased levels of reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase as compared to plain MF which was also comparable to the standard drug, silymarin (SL).Conclusion: The above mentioned results showed that hepatoprotective and antioxidant potency of MF enhanced due to the preparation of its herbosomes.

Hepatoprotective activity of Mentha arvensis Linn. leaves against CCL4 induced liver damage in rats

ObjectiveTo study the Hepatoprotective activity of ethanol, chloroform and aqueous extracts of Mentha arvensis leaves against CCL4 induced liver damage in rats. MethodsHepatotoxicity was induced by CCL4 and the biochemical parameters such as serum glutamate pyruvate transminase (sGPT), serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (sGOT), alkaline phosphatase (sALP), serum bilirubin (sB) and histopathological changes in liver were studied along with silymarin as standard Hepatoprotective agents. ResultsThe Phytochemical investigation of the extracts showed presence of flavonoids, steroids, triterpenoids, alkaloids, glycosides, carbohydrates, tannins, phenolic compounds. Treatment of the rats with chloroform, ethanol and aqueous extract with CCL4 administration caused a significant reduction in the values of sGOT, sGPT, sALP and sB (P < 0.01) almost comparable to the silymarin. The Hepatoprotective was confirmed by histopathological examination of the liver tissue of control and treated animals. ConclusionsFrom the results it can be concluded that Mentha arvensis possesses Hepatoprotective effect against CCL4 induced liver damage in rats.

Ca2+cytochemical changes of hepatotoxicity caused by halothane and sevoflurane in enzyme-induced hypoxic rats

To investigate the relation between hepatotoxicity of halothane and sevoflurane and altered hepatic calcium homeostasis in enzyme-induced hypoxic rats. Forty-eight rats were pretreated with phenobarbital and randomly divided into six groups (eight in each group) and exposed to O(2)/ N(2)/1.2 MAC anesthetics for 1 h: normal control (NC), 21% O(2)/79% N(2); hypoxic control (HC), 14% O(2)/86%N(2); normal sevoflurane (NS), 21% O(2)/ N(2)/1.2MAC sevoflurane; hypoxic sevoflurane (HS), 14% O(2)/ N(2)/1.2MAC sevoflurane; normal halothane (NH)21%O(2)/79%N(2)/1.2MAC halothane; hypoxic halothane (HH), 14% O(2)/N(2)/1.2MAC halothane. Liver specimens and blood were taken 24 h after exposure to calcium and determined by EDX microanalysis. The liver of all rats given halothane (14% O(2)) had extensive centrilobular necrosis and denaturation. Morphologic damage was accompanied with an increase in serum glutamic pyruvic transminase. In groups NH and HH, more calcium was precipitated in cytoplasm and mitochondria. These results suggest that halothane increases cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration in hepatocytes. Elevation in Ca(2+) concentration is implicated in the mechanism of halothane-induced hepatotoxicity. sevoflurane is less effective in affecting hepatic calcium homeostasis than halothane.

Hepatoprotective and immunomodulatory properties of Tinospora cordifolia in CCl4 intoxicated mature albino rats.

Effect of Tinospora cordifolia extract on modulation of hepatoprotective and immunostimulatory functions in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) intoxicated mature rats is reported here. Administration of CCl4 (0.7 ml/kg body weight for 7 days) produces damage in the liver as evident by estimation of enzymes such as serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamate pyruvate transminase (SGPT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) as well as serum bilirubin level. CCl4 administration also causes immunosuppressive effects as indicated by phagocytic capacity, chemotactic migration and cell adhesiveness of rat peritoneal macrophages. However, treatment with T. cordifolia extract (100 mg/kg body weight for 15 days) in CCl4 intoxicated rats was found to protect the liver, as indicated by enzyme level in serum. A significant reduction in serum levels of SGOT, SGPT, ALP, bilirubin were observed following T. cordifolia treatment during CCl4 intoxication. Treatment with T. cordifolia extract also deleted the immunosuppressive effect of CCl4, since a significant increment in the functional capacities of rat peritoneal macrophages (PM phi) was observed following T. cordifolia treatment. The results of our experiment suggest that treatment by T. cordifolia extract may be the critical remedy for the adverse effect of CCl4 in liver function as well as immune functions.

Role of Ca2+ on Endotoxin‐Sensitivity by Galactosamine Challenge: Lipid Peroxide Formation and Hepatotoxicity in Zymosan‐Primed Mice

This study was investigated to clarify the role of intracellular Ca2+ following endotoxin treatment (1 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) to D-galactosamine-sensitized mice (400 mg/kg, intraperitoneally), and to observe lipid peroxide levels, an index of hepatotoxicity, in endotoxin/galactosamine (Ga1N)-challenged mice under activation of macrophages, especially Kupffer cells, by zymosan. The liver lipid peroxide level and serum glutamic pyruvic transminase activity in mice 18 hr after administration of endotoxin/Ga1N were markedly higher than those in mice treated only with endotoxin. In spite of an increase in lipid peroxide formation, there was little or no effect of Ga1N administration on xanthine oxidase and superoxide dismutase activities in mice given endotoxin. However, the injection of verapamil (10 mg/kg, subcutaneously) markedly decreased lipid peroxide levels in liver of endotoxin/Ga1N-injected mice. In the mice given a Ca(2+)-deficient diet, lipid peroxide level in liver after endotoxin/Ga1N injection was markedly decreased compared to that in mice fed a normal diet. Administration of dexamethasone (200 micrograms/kg, intraperitoneally) in mice 1 hr before treatment with endotoxin/Ga1N did not induce lipid peroxide formation. Administration of endotoxin to Ga1N-treated mice resulted in a higher level of liver cytosolic free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) than that in endotoxin-treated mice. On the other hand, Ca(2+)-ATPase activity in liver plasma membrane in the endotoxin/Ga1N-treated mice was markedly decreased as compared with endotoxin alone. On the contrary, the Ca(2+)-ATPase activity in liver mitochondria was higher in endotoxaemic mice treated with GA1N than in mice given endotoxin alone.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of administering cyclophosphamide and vitamin E on the levels of tumor-marker enzymes in rats with experimentally induced fibrosarcoma.

Cyclophosphamide, and antineoplastic drug, and vitamin E, the common antioxidant present in the diet, were administered in separate dosages and in combination to animals (rats) with fibrosarcoma, metastatic tumor of the connective tissues, induced. The anticancer drug (20 mg/kg body weight) and the vitamin-E (400 mg/kg body weight) was administered for a period of 28 days from the day of tumor transplantation. The individual and the combined effects of these two substances were investigated by checking the growth of the tumor. Tumor markers like lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), serum glutamate pyruvate transminase (SGPT), serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), acid phosphatase, and alkaline phosphatase were analyzed for the changes in their concentration in serum, liver, and kidney to assess the success of the therapy. The increased level of the enzymes in the fibrosarcoma-suffering rats (GPII) was reduced by cyclophosphamide treatment (GP III) and vitamin E administration (GP IV). Among the treated groups, the combination therapy (GP V) showed greater efficacy in the treatment of fibrosarcoma than did individual administration, as there was more reduction in the levels of enzymes in Group V than those in to Groups III and IV. The enzyme levels were brought to near the normal level.

Clinical safety of long-term administration of gossypol in 32 cases

Thirty-two men have taken gossypol acetic acid for long periods (6–10 years). The users had side effects during the entire course. Serum glutamate-pyruvate transminase (SGPT) was increased in 3 cases and persisted for more than a year. There was a downward trend in plasma potassium level during the loading phase. But, hypokalaemic paralysis did not occur. Results of semen analysis showed that the shorter the duration of gossypol administration, the higher the recovery rate. The positive rate of Et formation of peripheral blood lymphocytes was remarkably decreased. After cessation of gossypol for 6–12 months, Et formation of the group stopping drug showed a recovering trend, but had not recovered to normal. The IgG level in the serum of treatment group was decreased, but was still within normal range.

Effects of inducer pretreatment on liver function and morphology in the mountain vole Microtus montanus

1. 1. Liver function and morphology of the mountain vole, Microtus montanus, were examined after i.p. injections of phenobarbital, β-naphthoflavone, or Aroclor 1254 at three dose levels. 2. 2. The results of the liver function tests showed serum glutamic pyruvic transminase and serum malathion carboxylesterase activities were normal in all the treatment groups. 3. 3. The histological results showed no necrotic tissue but did reveal two different morphological stages related to the level of monooxygenase activity; a low induction state was represented by foamy vacuolated hepatocytes while high induction states were related to enlarged, swollen, hypertrophied cells.

Toxicological significance of hepatic responses to furylfuramide(AF-2) in the rat

In male rats fed furylfuramide [2-(2-furyl)-3-(5-nitro-2-furyl)-acrylamide, AF-2] at a dietary level of 0.1%, a marked increase in the liver weight was observed with a concomitant reduction of microsomal mixed-function oxidase activity. To clarify the significance of these hepatic responses to furylfuramide, a series of biochemical parameters that reflect hepatotoxicity was measured. The most significant elevations were seen in hepatic glycogen and glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase levels over 29-day feeding interval. A marked decrease was observed in mixed-function oxidases and glucose 6-phosphatase activities. Moderate decreases were seen in several other parameters, especially in the early phase of feeding. Measurement of serum parameters showed significant elevation in cholesterol and a transient increase in serum glutamic pyruvic transminase. A comparative study demonstrated small differences between furylfuramide and carbon tetrachloride in their effects on hepatic parameters. The furylfuramide-induced changes appear to be reversible within 14 days after withdrawal of furylfuramide from the diet. Reduction of mixed-function oxidase activity by furylfuramide might be caused partly by the elevation of heme degrading enzyme. The results indicate a dysfunction of drug-metabolizing activity and acute and slight toxication of the liver by furylfuramide.

An animal model of halothane hepatotoxicity: roles of enzyme induction and hypoxia.

Exposure of phenobarbital-pretreated male Sprague-Dawley rats to halothane, 1 per cent, for two hours under conditions of hypoxia (FIO2 0.14) resulted in extensive centrilobular necrosis within 24 hours. Accompanying the morphologic damage were an increase in serum glutamic pyruvic transminase (SGPT) and a decrease in hepatic microsomal cytochrmoe P-450. Glutathione levels in the liver were unchanged. Phenobarbital-pretreated rats anesthetized with halothane, 1 per cent, at FIO2 0.21 had only minor morphologic changes at 24 hours. Hepatic injury was not apparent in any non-phenobarbital-induced rat or in any induced animal exposed to ether at FIO2 0.10 or to halothane at FIO2 0.99. There was a 2.6-fold increase in the 24-hour urinary excretion of fluoride in those rats in which extensive centrilobular necrosis developed. The in-vivo covalent binding to lipids of 14C from 14C-halothane also was increased markedly when 14C-halothane was administered intraperitoneally to phenobarbital-induced rats maintained hypoxic (FIO2 0.14) for two hours. These results support the authors' hypothesis that halothane is metabolized to hepatotoxic intermediates by a reductive or non-oxygen-dependent cytochrome P-450-dependent pathway. This animal model of halothane-induced hepatotoxicity may be clinically relevant. A decrease in hepatic blood flow during halothane anesthesia may decrease the PO2 available to hepatocytes and thus direct the metabolism of halothane along its reductive, hepatotoxic pathway.

Herpes simplex encephalitis: Virologic and serologic study of a patient treated with an interferon inducer

A biopsy-proved case of herpes simplex encephalitis in a young male infant is presented in which transmission of the virus to the patient apparently occurred from an infected sibling. The infant was treated with a synthetic interferon stimulator, In. Cn. Serial determinations of interferon were performed on specimens of serum and cerebrospinal fluid. Although the patient appeared to improve clinically, coincident with administration of the drug, a therapeutic effect could not be definitely established. Possible mild drug toxicity occurred after 11 days of treatment as determined by elevation of the blood urea nitrogen, serum glutamic pyruvic transminase, lactate dehydrogenase, and alkaline phosphatase.