Affiliations: Cellular and Microbiology Laboratory, College of
Pharmacy, IFTM, Moradabad, U.P., India | Birla Institute of Technology and Sciences, Pilani,
Rajasthan, India | National Biotechnology Center, Indian Veterinary
Research Institute, Izatnagar, U.P., India
Note: [] Address for correspondence: P. Chattopadhyay, Microbiology and
Cell Biology Laboratory, College of Pharmacy, IFTM, Lodhipur Rajput,
Moradabad-244001, U.P., India. Tel.: +919719538363; Fax: +91591 2451560;
E-mail: chatto_pronobesh@rediffmail.com
Abstract: The present study was aimed to evaluate the efficacy of L-arginine
on mitochondrial function in ischemic and reperfusion (I/R) induced hepatic
injury. Adult Wistar rat were subjected to 1 h of partial liver ischemia
followed by 3 hour reperfusion. Eighteen wistar rats were divided into three
groups viz. sham-operated control group (I) (n = 6),
ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) group (II) (n = 6),
L-arginine treated group (100 mg/kg body weight/daily by oral route for 7 days
before induced ischemia reperfusion maneuver) (III) (n = 6).
Mitochondrial injury was assessed in terms of decreased (P <
0.05) activities of mitochondrial antioxidant enzymes (GSH, SOD, CAT),
respiratory marker enzymes (NADH dehydrogenase, cytochrome c oxidases) and
hepatocytes nitric oxide production. Pre-treatment with L-arginine
(10 mg/kg/p.o. for 7 days) significantly counteracted the alternations of
hepatic enzymes and mitochondrial respiratory and antioxidant enzymes. In
addition, electron microscopy and histopathology study showed the restoration
of cellular normalcy and accredits the cytoprotective role of L-arginine
against I/R induced hepatocellular injury. On the basis of these findings it
may be concluded that L-arginine protects mitochondrial function in hepatic
ischemic and reperfused liver.
