Experimental porphyria induced by 3-(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)-thioethyl)-4 methylsydnone.

Administration of 3-[2-(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)-thioethyl]-4-methylsydnone (TTMS) induces hepatic porphyria in rats, mice and dogs. The protoporphyrin pigment in livers of rats and mice is found mainly in bile ducts and leads to bile duct proliferation and portal inflammation. Dog livers contain protoporphyrin predominantly in bile canaliculi. The birefringence of the pigment appears to be associated with bilamellar components within the pigment. The markedly depressed catalase activity in livers of rats does not increase after clofibrate administration. The catalase activity of mouse liver is depressed slightly and responds to clofibrate treatment.