PYRIDOXOL L,2-PYRROLIDON-5 CARBOXYLATE PREVENTS ACTIVE FIBROPLASIA IN CCL4-TREATED RATS

In the present study we evaluated the protective activity of pyridoxol l,2-pyrrolidon-5 carboxylate (metadoxine) against CCl4 intoxication in rats, especially in relation to liver fibrosis. After 6 consecutive weeks of CCl4 treatment, the animals developed liver fibrosis and inflammation as revealed by histological analysis which also included semiquantitative scoring of these features. In addition the serum levels of the immunoreactive prolyl hydroxylase (SIRPH), an enzyme involved in the hydroxylation of the procollagen molecule, were significantly higher (44.2±16.3 μg/ml; P<0.005) in this group of animals than in controls (26.1±8.06). On the contrary, animals treated with CCl4+metadoxine (200 mg/kg i.p.) had less severe liver fibrosis and normal SIRPH levels (21.5±14.6). These data suggest that metadoxine may be an effective pharmacological tool for preventing the progression of liver disease in rats exposed to CCl4 to cirrhosis. © 1992 The Italian Pharmacological Society.