The diurnal rhythm of hepatotoxic action of chloroform.

Mice were administered with chloroform at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. and the signs of hepatotoxicity were measured 18 or 24 hrs later. The levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in serum, and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the liver were higher after the evening administration compared to the morning one. The decrements of reduced glutathione (GSH) levels in the liver followed a similar pattern. It is concluded that the susceptibility of mice to the toxic effect of chloroform follows a circadian rhythm.