DOSE-RESPONSE STUDIES OF INTERFERON-ALPHA(2B) ON LIVER FIBROSIS AND CHOLESTASIS INDUCED BY BILIARY OBSTRUCTION IN RATS

Interferons have been utilized widely in chronic liver diseases for th eir antiviral properties. In addition, there is evidence for their ant ifibrogenic actions. In this work we studied effects of various doses of interferon-alpha(2b) on experimental liver fibrosis and cholestasis induced in the rat by biliary obstruction. Collagen was measured as h epatic hydroxyproline content. Cholestasis was determined by serum alk aline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase activities and by b ilirubin content. Glycogen was measured in the liver. Interestingly, t he best effects (antifibrotic and anticholestatic) were observed in th e group receiving the lowest dose of interferon. These results suggest that interferon-alpha(2b) may be used at low doses, thereby decreasin g side effects and costs.