EFFECT OF CPT-11 ON LIPID PEROXIDE LEVEL IN MOUSE-TISSUES

We examined the effects of CPT-11 on lipid peroxide level and glutathi one peroxidase (GSHpx) activity as indices of the toxicity of this ant itumor agent in mouse and rat tissues. After CPT-11 (100 mg/kg, i.p.) administration, the lipid peroxide level in the heart increased 1.5 fo ld (mice) and 1.3 fold (rats) over the control levels. GSHpx activity decreased to 64% of the control. In the lung, the lipid peroxide level and GSHpx activity increased 2.5 fold and decreased to 74% after CPT- 11 administration, respectively, compared with the control values. The se results suggested that CPT-11 may cause cardiotoxicity and pulmotox icity. In rat bone marrow, the lipid peroxide level increased on the 2 nd day after CPT-11 injection. We suggest that in both single and comb ination treatment with CPT-11, the possibility of side effects should be taken into consideration.