PROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF N-ACETYL CYSTEINE ON OLIGOSACCHARIDE RESIDUES IN THE EXPERIMENTAL LIVER INTOXICATION FORMED BY CARBONTETRACHLORIDE (CCL4) IN RATS

Abstract

Aim: In this study, we aimed to investigate the protective effects of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) that is known playing an important role in detoxification reactions of biomolecules, on rat liver tissue exposed to carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Materials and methods: Twenty-eight rats were divided into four groups each containing seven rats: Control groups (Group 1: Olive oil group, Group 2: Olive oil+NAC group) and experimental groups (Group 3: CCl4 group, Group 4: CCl4+NAC group). CCl4 was given in 1 ml/kg doses intraperitoneally (i.p.), NAC was given in 50 mg/kg doses. Oligosaccharide units were detected histochemically using biotin labeled lectins. Results: Histochemically, NAC showed no remarkable effect on the staining intensity of biotin labeled lectins. Liver enzyme activities and plasma protein levels were measured using commercial available kits. Compared to the control group in CCl4 given rats AST, GGT and ALP activities increased significantly (P<0.001), while NAC administration alleviated the toxic effects of CCl4. CCl4 decreased serum albumin concentration significantly (P<0.05), however NAC annihilated negative effect of CCl4 on albumin concentration. The alterations in total protein levels and ALT activities remained insignificant (P>0.05). Conclusion: Our findings indicate that cells may increase their oligosaccharide units to protect themselves from the toxic effects of CCl4 and NAC may support cells to scavenge free radicals induced by CCl4.