THE INFLUENCE OF DIETARY PROTEIN ON LIVER INJURY DUE TO CARBON TETRACHLORIDE IN DOGS

Abstract

Six adult dogs, previously exposed to carbon tetrachloride and allowed a recovery period of seven months, have been kept at different times on isocaloric low protein and moderately high protein diets. During each of these periods a series of 16 consecutive doses of carbon tetrachloride was administered. Liver function was tested fortnightly by means of the bromsulfalein excretion test, serum alkaline phosphatase, and serum protein fractionation. Biopsy specimens were also examined. There was a notable variation from one dog to the next and the only useful comparison was the response shown on the two different diets by each individual animal. Analysis of the data indicated that the acute phase of liver injury during carbon tetrachloride administration was accompanied by less derangement of function when the dogs were on a low protein diet. In the recovery phase the higher protein intake resulted in a somewhat more rapid restoration of function. It is suggested that some restriction of protein is probably desirable during the acute phase of any destructive liver lesion. Once recovery and regeneration set in generous amounts of protein in the diet will tend to hasten the repair process.