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Protective effects of melatonin against carbon tetrachloride‐induced hepatotoxicity in rats: a light microscopic and biochemical study
Author(s) -
Kus Ilter,
Ogeturk Murat,
Oner Hakan,
Sahin Semsettin,
Yekeler Hayrettin,
Sarsilmaz Mustafa
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
cell biochemistry and function
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.933
H-Index - 61
eISSN - 1099-0844
pISSN - 0263-6484
DOI - 10.1002/cbf.1136
Subject(s) - melatonin , carbon tetrachloride , alkaline phosphatase , medicine , endocrinology , necrosis , chemistry , histopathology , fibrosis , mononuclear cell infiltration , bilirubin , pathology , biochemistry , enzyme , organic chemistry
Abstract The aim of this study was to examine the protective effects of melatonin against CCl 4 ‐induced hepatotoxicity in the rat. Twenty‐four male Wistar rats were divided into three groups. Group I was used as a control. Rats in group II were injected every other day with CCl 4 for 1 month, whereas rats in group III were injected every other day with CCl 4 and melatonin for 1 month. At the end of the experiment, all animals were killed by decapitation and blood samples were obtained. Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total and conjugated bilirubin levels were determined. For histopathological evaluation, livers of all rats were removed and processed for light microscopy. All serum biochemical parameters were significantly higher in animals treated with CCl 4 than in the controls. When rats injected with CCl 4 were treated with melatonin, significantly reduced elevations in serum biochemical parameters were found. In liver sections of the CCl 4 ‐injected group, necrosis, fibrosis, mononuclear cell infiltration, haemorrhage, fatty degeneration and formation of regenerative nodules were observed. Additionally, apoptotic figures, microvesicular steatosis and hydropic degeneration in hepatocytes were seen in this group. In contrast, the histopathological changes observed after administration of CCl 4 were lost from rats treated with CCl 4 and melatonin. Except for mild hydropic degeneration of the hepatocytes, a normal lobular appearance was seen in the livers of this group. The results of our study indicate that melatonin treatment prevents CCl 4 ‐induced liver damage in rats. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.