Effect of ethanol chronic use on hepatotoxicity in rats exposed to tetrachloroethylene
Giovannini, L.; Guglielmi, G.; Casini, T.; Bertelli, A.; Galmozzi, E.; Bertelli, A.A.
International Journal of Tissue Reactions 14(6): 281-285
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0250-0868 PMID: 1306529 Document Number: 404346
Tetrachloroethylene, an industrial halogenated solvent, shows several toxic effects. Also at hepatic level this substance can induce a damage but this effect is present only after high exposure, but such high levels have not been found in work environments. Using Wistar rats, we wanted to check whether the chronic administration of ethyl alcohol can modify the action of tetrachloroethylene. Tetrachloroethylene was administered by aerosol and alcohol at the concentration of 15% in drinking water. We observed an increase in plasma triglycerides, and evident histological alteration as a result of steatosis, in rats drinking alcohol as compared to a control group; the administration of tetrachloroethylene to rat drinkers of alcohol did not cause an increase in plasma triglycerides and steatosis as compared to rat drinkers of alcohol, but on the contrary we observed a decrease in alcohol-induced liver damage.