Toshiaki Nakashima, Ninko Matsumoto and Kei Kashima
Third Department of Internal Medicine, Kyoto Prefectural University of
Medicine, Kawaramachi-Hirokoji, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602, Japan
Abstract: The interactions between bovine gallstones (Goou) and
bear gall powder (Yutan) in decreases in serum transaminase levels were
investigated in rats intoxicated with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4).
The p.o. administration of Goou significantly increased both serum transaminase
levels and hepatic lipid peroxidation following i.p. administration of CCl4.
Concomitant administration of both Goou and Yutan resulted in decreases
of serum transaminase levels and hepatic lipid peroxidation, which were
more remarkable than with administration of Yutan alone. Goou significantly
increased the estimated hepatic blood flow in the indocyanine green clearance
test and enhanced the delivery of CCl4 to the liver from the
peritoneal cavity. These findings suggest that Goou exacerbates CCl4-induced
hepatic damage because of the accelerated delivery of CCl4 to
the liver and that Goou might have a hemodynamic drug interaction with Yutan
in the liver, possibly enhancing the hepatoprotective effect of Yutan.
Keywords: Animal crude drug, Bovine gallstone, Bear gall powder, Carbon
tetrachloride, Liver