Effects of cortisol pretreatment on the acute hepatotoxicity of aflatoxin B<inf>1</inf>

Abstract

Effects of cortisol pretreatment on acute hepatotoxicity induced by aflatoxin b 1 (AFB 1 ) were investigated in female rats. Pretreatment of cortisol (1.0-10.0 mg/kg body weight) for 7 consecutive days markedly increased mortality rate, activity of plasma glutamic pyruvic transaminase (PGPT), plasma glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (PGOT) and liver triglycerides induced by AFBv (3.0 mg/kg body weight). The potentiating action of cortisol on hepatic necrosis of AFB 1 showed a dose-dependent pattern. The possible mechanism of its action may be related to an increase in the activity of aniline hydroxylase and formation of AFB 1 -2,3-epoxide which in turn caused a marked increase in AFB 1 binding to hepatic DNA and proteins, and lipid peroxide formation. Therefore, the potentiating action of cortisol on AFB 1 hepatotoxicity may possibly increase the damage to DNA and membranes of various organelles. © 1988.