Standardization of Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Hepatotoxicity In the Rat

The aim of the present study was to optimize carbon tetrachloride (CCl4­) induced hepatotoxicity in the rat with respect to dose and time course. Female Sprague Dawley rats, weighing 150-200g were used in the present study. Hepatotoxicity was evaluated by measuring the activity of serum enzymes, alanine transaminase [ALT], aspartate transaminase [AST], alkaline phosphatase [ALP] and total bilirubin [TBIL] level. Experimental hepatotoxicity was induced by administering 1, 1.5, 2 ml/kg CCl4 (dissolved in an equal volume of olive oil) intraperitonially (i.p) and observed for enzyme levels at time intervals of 0, 2, 24, 48 hours after CCl4­ challenge. Result values are analyzed by One way ANOVA followed by Dunnett’s test. 1 ml/kg CCl4 increased the levels of serum enzymes that reached a peak after 24 hr and showed moderate hepatitis which is ideal for development of acute hepatotoxicity. It is possible to select optimum dose of CCl4 to induce hepatotoxicity by single i.p injection in order to study hepatoprotective activity of herb without causing death of animals. Keywords- Carbon tetrachloride, Dose, Hepatotoxicity, Time course