Effect of colchicine on collagen, albumin and transferrin synthesis by cirrhotic rat liver slices.

Collagen synthesis was found to be increased in liver slices of rats made cirrhotic by chronic administration of CCl4. The liver function was impaired, as determined by an increased retention of conjugated bilirubin and low serum albumin values. However, when animals received colchicine simultaneously with CCl4, collagen synthesis and deposition were inhibited, and the liver function appeared normal. When a group of rats was made cirrhotic by chronic administration of CCl4, and then kept for 30 days without further treatment, fibrosis persisted and collagen synthesis was very low. However, the liver function was severely impaired. When similar rats received L-azetidine-2-carboxylic acid during the 30-days period following CCl4 administration, there was a slight but not significant improvement in liver function. The collagen synthesis and the extent of fibrosis were similar to the controls. However, if similar rats received colchicine during the 30 days period, collagen synthesis was almost negligible, there was a slight decrease in fibrosis and there was a great improvement in liver function. In all the cirrhotic animals studied, transferrin biosynthesis remained constant.