Effect of Carbon Tetrachloride on Hepatic Transport of Ouabain in Developing Rats

Abstract

Summary

CC1₄ depressed hepatic excretory function in adult and developing rats. In this regard, plasma ouabain concentrations were significantly higher and biliary (intestinal) ouabain was significantly lower in the treated animals. Of particular interest was the observation that hepatic ouabain was significantly lower than controls in CCI₄ treated young rats (decreased uptake into liver), but significantly higher than controls in treated older rats (decreased secretion from liver into bile). These results suggest that the “site” of altered biliary function following CCI₄-induced liver damage is age dependent.

This investigation was supported in part by National Institute of Health Grant ES00560. S.Z.C. was supported by a predoctoral fellowship from the Eli Lilly Co. The authors acknowledge the technical assistance of Ms. Harriett Sherman.