Changes in hepatic lipoperoxide concentration in endotoxemic rats

Abstract

Wistar strain rats were treated with E. coli endotoxin by intraperitoneal injection (1 mg/100g body weight). Three hours after injection, the livers were excised to determine lipoperoxide concentration and superoxide dismutase activity. A significant elevation of lipoperoxide concentration and a marked reduction of superoxide dismutase activity were observed. Treatment with xanthine oxidase inhibitor were observed. Treatment with xanthine oxidase inhibitor allopurinol (10 mg/100g) 20 minutes prior the injection of endotoxin inhibited the elevation of lipoperoxide and the reduction of superoxide dismutase induced by endotoxin. Pretreatment of free radical scavengers such as reduced glutathione and alpha-tocopherol prevented the accumulation of lipoperoxide in the liver. Reduced glutathione protected the hepatic superoxide dismutase from decrease by endotoxin treatment. However, alpha-tocopherol did not maintain liver superoxide dismutase activity following the injection of endotoxin. These results indicate that endotoxemia gives rise to the accumulation of hepatic lipoperoxide by the activation of a production system and impairment of an elimination system of superoxide radicals.