Vitamin C in CC14 hepatotoxicity--a preliminary report.

1. The hepatotoxic effect of CC14 was studied in the rat by using 3 well established liver function tests (plasma glucose, bilirubin and proteins) as indices of hepatic integrity. 2. The protective effect of vitamin C against this hepatotoxicity was also investigated. 3. CC14 (8 ml kg-1 body weight) caused a decrease in the levels of plasma conjugated bilirubin, glucose and protein. 4. Vitamin C (2 g kg-1 body weight) prevented liver damage induced by CC14. The possible mechanisms of protection are highlighted.