EFFECT OF PICIBANIL (OK-432) ON THE SCAVENGING EFFECT OF FREE-RADICALS PRODUCED DURING LIVER-REGENERATION IN THE RAT

We administered a biological response modifier Picibanil (OK-432), att enuated Streptococcus pyogenes, via the dorsal vein of the penis after 70% hepatectomy in rats, and clarified the scavenging effect of Picib anil on free radicals generated in the regenerating liver. A group of 5 rats was intravenously administered with 25 KE/kg of OK-432 after he patectomy, while the control group was given saline after hepatectomy. Serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransfera se and the value of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances in serum a nd hepatic tissue after hepatectomy were serially measured, and these values were significantly lower in Picibanil treated animals than in c ontrol animals. Free radical production in the regenerating liver was also measured by electron spin resonance spectrometry, and OK-432 inje ction significantly reduced free radical production. These results sug gested that OK-432 reduced hepatocellular damage in regenerating liver by inhibiting lipid peroxidation.