Effects of repeated growth-promoting doses of clenbuterol on the hepatic function of female pigs
Gojmerac, T.; Pleadin, J.; Zuric, M.; Mirko, L.; Stipica, C.
Veterinary and Human Toxicology 44(5): 269-271
2002
ISSN/ISBN: 0145-6296 PMID: 12361107 Document Number: 547642
The effect of repeated administration of clenbuterol in a growth-promoting dose on hepatocellular integrity of female pigs was assessed by correlating histopathologic lesions in the livers of dosed pigs with changes in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Gamma -glutamyltransferase (GGT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities. The experiments were carried out in 12 (6 control and 6 treated) female pigs (F1 generation Swedish Landrace and Large Yorkshire) 6-7-months-old and 80-100 kg body weight. Experimental animals were treated with 10 micro g clenbuterol/kg body weight intravenously twice daily for 25 days prior to being sacrificed. Blood and liver samples were collected. Treated animals had increased serum AP and ALT activities (P<0.02), whereas serum AST and GGT activities did not significantly change. Mild hyperplasia of biliary ducts, interstitial liver inflammation and hydropic and vacuolar hepatocyte degeneration were observed. These findings indicate that repeated administration of growth-promoting doses of clenbuterol to female pigs adversely affect liver function.