Effects of leukotriene synthesis inhibition on acute liver damage induced by carbon tetrachloride

Administration of the leukotriene synthesis inhibitors nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDHGA, 30 mg/kg), caffeic acid (20 mg/kg) or nafazatrom (100 mg/kg) and of the phosphodiesterase inhibitor and free radical trapper dipyridamole (10 mg/kg) prevented the alterations in enzyme activity displayed by acute CCl₄ administration. The effect was less evident in preventing hepatic glycogen depletion or lipid peroxidation. A synergistic protective effect between dipyridamole and NDHGA or caffeic acid was observed. In conclusion, the present results show that acute hepatic damage induced by CCl₄ can be partially prevented by leukotriene synthesis inhibitors and the protection is enhanced with the simultaneous use of phosphodiesterase inhibitors.