Effect of prostacyclin (PGI2) and a prostaglandin analogue BW 245C on galactosamine-induced hepatic necrosis.

The reported cytoprotective effects of prostaglandins against noxious stimuli in the liver was the basis for the present investigations of the effects of prostacyclin (PGI2) and a prostaglandin analogue (BW 245C) in an animal model of severe liver failure. Rats were given galactosamine at two dose levels and the prostaglandins were given in repeated doses from 0 to 6 h during the development of the liver damage or in another group from 24 to 30 h at the time of maximal liver injury. For PGI2 significant cytoprotection was found as assessed by a reduction in blood Normotest at 24, 48 and 72 h (P less than 0.05) and the plasma level of aspartate aminotransferase at 24 and 48 h (P less than 0.02) and the lysosomal markers N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase at 24, 48 and 72 h (P less than 0.001) and cathepsin D at 48 h (P less than 0.005) as compared to appropriate controls. Early administration of PGI2 reduced the mortality rate from 63% in the control group to 0% (P less than 0.01) in the treated group, but no significant effects were found when either compound was given later in the 24-h to 30-h period.