EFFECT OF ADMINISTRATION OF GALACTOSAMINE HYDROCHLORIDE ON RAT-LIVER MITOCHONDRIA

The effect of galactosamine on liver mitochondrial functions was studi ed in vivo in rats at 12hr, 24hr and 36hr after the administration of the dug. Slate 3 respiration decreased significantly with both NAD(+) linked and FAD Linked substrates. Respiratory control Patio, an index of membrane integrity and P/O ratio which is a measure of phosphorylat ion efficiency decreased significantly. There was a significant decrea se in the activities of NADH dehydrogenase, succinate dehydrogenase an d cytochrome oxidase. A significant decrease was also seen on membrane potential, cytochrome aa(3), cytochrome b, cytochrome c and on phosph olipids of mitochondria. The observed mitochondrial dysfunctions were related to increased lipid peroxidation, which could cause loss of mem brane integrity and a decreased rate of phosphorylation. It is propose d that increased lipid peroxidation was responsible for the inhibition on both oxidation and phosphorylation in mitochondria in galactosamin e treated rats.