EFFECT OF GOSSYPOL ON HEPATIC AND SERUM GAMMA-GLUTAMYL-TRANSFERASE ACTIVITY IN RATS

A single intraperitoneal dose (25 mg/kg) of gossypol given to male Spr ague-Dawley rats caused marked changes in the activity of the hepatic and serum gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) and microsomal monooxygenase s. The GGT activity in liver homogenate, S-9 supernatant fraction and microsomes was significantly depressed; however, the level of serum GG T was elevated. While the hepatic glutathione concentration was not gr eatly changed, the aminopyrine N-demethylase activity and microsomal c ytochrome P450 content of the liver were significantly decreased in th e treated rats. At necropsy, the livers of the treated rats appeared g enerally pale with distinct pinpoint foci. Histopathological examinati on of the liver showed degenerative changes and coagulative necrosis. The results indicate that gossypol is a strong hepatotoxic agent which can produce severe hepatic damage.