Tri chloro ethylene hepato toxicity in rats treated with barbiturates or ethanol

Danni O.; Molino G.; Cavanna A.; Burdino E.; Biondi A. M.; Torchio M.; Urigu S.; Ugazio G.

The potential liver toxicity of trichloroethylene [TRI], a widely used environmental pollutant, was investigated with an experimental model reflecting possible human exposure at work. TRI was given to rats by inhalation alone or in association with EtOH [ethanol] or PB [phenobarbitone] in the drinking water for 2 mo. BW [body weight], serum ALT [alanine aminotransferase], SDH [sorbitol dehydrogenase] and TBA [serum total bile acids] were not significantly affected. An increase in RLW [relative liver weight] after PB was seen as evidence of augmented efficiency of the mixed-function oxidase system, since hexobarbital narcosis was shortened by 50%. Depressed liver TG [triglyceride] was noted after TRI administered alone. Changes in BSP [bromosulphophthalein] and SOR [sorbitol] clearance suggested that TRI was responsible for certain functional changes in the liver, even though the usual indicators of toxicity were virtually unaffected.