Dose-response studies of interferon-alpha 2b on liver fibrosis and cholestasis induced by biliary obstruction in rats.

Interferons have been utilized widely in chronic liver diseases for their antiviral properties. In addition, there is evidence for their antifibrogenic actions. In this work we studied effects of various doses of interferon-alpha 2b on experimental liver fibrosis and cholestasis induced in the rat by biliary obstruction. Collagen was measured as hepatic hydroxyproline content. Cholestasis was determined by serum alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase activities and by bilirubin content. Glycogen was measured in the liver. Interestingly, the best effects (antifibrotic and anticholestatic) were observed in the group receiving the lowest dose of interferon. These results suggest that interferon-alpha 2b may be used at low doses, thereby decreasing side effects and costs.