Unbound MEDLINE

Effect of melatonin and n-acetylcysteine on hepatic injury in rat induced by methanol intoxication: a comparative study.

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Methanol intoxication leads liver injury; in contrast melatonin and n-acetyl cysteine (NAC) are known to have protective effects on liver.
AIM
We aimed to investigate the ultrastructural effects of melatonin and NAC on livers of methanol intoxicated rats and compare potential protective effects of melatonin and NAC on their liver ultrastructure.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Fifty-six adult male Wistar rats were carried out and were randomized to eight groups that have seven rats each: Control groups (C 6h, C 24h), treated with intragastric (i.g.) 1.0 ml saline; Methanol groups (M 6h, M 24h), treated with a dose of 3 g/kg i.g. methanol; Melatonin plus methanol groups (MEL+M 6h, MEL+M 24h), treated with dose of 10 mg/kg i.p melatonin immediately, following with a dose of 3 g/kg i.g. methanol; NAC plus methanol groups (NAC+M 6h, NAC+M 24h), treated with dose of 150 mg/kg, following with a dose of 3 g/kg i.g. methanol. 24 h group rats were given the same dose of melatonin and NAC 12 h after intoxication. Electron microscopy was used to evaluate histological changes in liver tissue at both 6th and 24th hour.
RESULTS
Histopathological damage was found to be higher in methanol-induced intoxicated rats compared with the controls. Extensive tubules of smooth endoplasmic reticulum, increased mitochondria, increased primary lysosomes and some marked openings of bile canaliculus were distinguished. Melatonin administration prevents liver injury especially in early hours and although not as effective as melatonin, NAC also prevents liver injury.
CONCLUSIONS
Melatonin is much more efficient than NAC, as well as significantly greater hepatoprotective effect against the liver injury secondary to the methanol intoxication.

Links

  • Aggregator Full Text

    • Authors

    Koksal M, Kurcer Z, Erdogan D, Iraz M, Tas M, Eren MA, Aydogan T, Ulas T

    Institution

    Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Harran University, Sanliurfa, Turkey. mkoksal@harran.edu.tr

    Source

    European review for medical and pharmacological sciences 16:4 2012 Apr pg 437-44

    MeSH

    Acetylcysteine
    Animals
    Cytoprotection
    Disease Models, Animal
    Drug-Induced Liver Injury
    Liver
    Male
    Melatonin
    Methanol
    Microscopy, Electron
    Protective Agents
    Rats
    Rats, Wistar
    Time Factors

    Pub Type(s)

    Comparative Study
    Journal Article
    Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

    Language

    eng

    PubMed ID

    22696870