Abstract | BACKGROUND:
Acute liver failure is associated with a marked depletion of intrahepatic adenosine 5'-triphosphate ( ATP), a compound required for the maintenance of hepatic function and enhanced hepatic regeneration. AIM: The aim of this study was to test the safety and efficacy of exogenous ATP at various doses in a rat model of acute liver failure. METHODS: Adult male Sprague-Dawley rates (n = 56) received an intraperitoneal dose (1.0 g/kg) of the potent hepatotoxin D: - galactosamine (D: -galN). Thereafter, rats were divided into groups that received saline (n = 18), low (n = 8), moderate (n = 18) or high (n = 12) doses of ATP for 7 days. RESULTS: There was an inverse correlation between ATP dose and survival such that rats treated with low dose ATP had the highest survival rate (50%) compared to moderate (39%) and high (17%) dose treated groups. However, survival in all treated groups was similar (P = 0.085) to that of controls (45%). Liver biochemistry, regenerative activity and ATP levels were similar in the highest survival group (low dose ATP) versus controls. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that exogenous ATP does not improve and indeed at high doses may impair survival in rats with acute liver failure. Further studies involving a wider range of ATP doses and different routes and frequency of ATP administration are required to determine whether exogenous ATP has therapeutic value in the treatment of acute liver failure.
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Authors | Erin P Becker, DongFeng Sun, Gerald Y Minuk |
Journal | Digestive diseases and sciences
(Dig Dis Sci)
Vol. 53
Issue 3
Pg. 794-8
(Mar 2008)
ISSN: 0163-2116 [Print] United States |
PMID | 17934848
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
- Phosphorus Isotopes
- Adenosine Triphosphate
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Topics |
- Adenosine Triphosphate
(administration & dosage, toxicity)
- Animals
- Liver Failure, Acute
(drug therapy)
- Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
- Male
- Phosphorus Isotopes
- Rats
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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