PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF VITAMIN-E AGAINST ETHIONINE TOXICITY

The effect of administration of ethionine on rat liver mitochondrial f unctions and the protective effect of vitamin E on ethionine induced d amage was studied. Ethionine treatment decreased the rate of respirati on, respiratory control ratio and P/O ratio. There was a significant d ecrease in the activities of NADH dehydrogenase, succinate cytochrome C reductase and cytochrome oxidase. A significant decrease was seen on membrane potential and on the levels of ATP. Among the mitochondrial phospholipids only cardiolipin decreased significantly. The lipid pero xide level increased significantly in ethionine treated rats. Administ ration of vitamin E prior to ethionine treatment relieved the effects (induced by ethionine) on all the parameters studied. This study shows that vitamin E protects against ethionine toxicity.