Decreased acute hepatotoxicity of carbon tetrachloride and bromobenzene by cholestyramine in the rat

Abstract Numerous factors are known to increase or decrease drug-induced liver injury. The aim of this study was to test the effect of cholestyramine. Cholestyramine, and anion exchange resin binding in the gut substances taken up and metabolized by the liver such as bile salts, vitamins, endotoxins, etc., could indirectly modify drug-induced toxicity. Two groups of animals were studied: cholestyramine-fed and pair-fed controls. Five days after feeding, carbon tetrachloride or corn oil was injected intraperitoneously. Liver function and histology were normal after corn oil injection in both groups. One day after carbon tetrachloride injection liver weight/body weight ratio was lower in the cholestyramine-fed than in the pair-fed group (4.0 ± 0.4 mean ± SD vs. 4.4 ± 0.3, p