Immunocytochemical detection of the 72-kDa heat shock protein in halothane--induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

Liver sections removed from phenobarbital induced rats 24 to 48 hours after a 2 hour exposure to 1.0% halothane with 10% oxygen and subjected to immunocytochemical treatment showed evidence of centrilobular damage as well as evidence of the production of a protein which has immunoreactivity with anti HSP 72 antibodies. The cells showing evidence of immunoreactivity were within the area of the centrilobular lesion. The level of immunoreactive protein varied directly with the intensity of the lesion. Liver sections from animals treated with phenobarbital alone, phenobarbital plus 10% oxygen, or phenobarbital plus 20% oxygen and 1.0% halothane all were without lesions as well as the immunoreactive protein.