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Abstract
Metallothionein (MT) is a low-molecular weight sulfur-rich protein that plays role
in metal homeostasis/detoxification and radical scavenging. The following study investigated
the ability of exogenous MT to protect against oxidative damage induced by thallium
(TI) in rat liver. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups; a control and three
experimental groups. The control group received physiological saline. Group 1 animals
were injected with thallium acetate intraperitoneally (i.p.) at a single dose of LD(50)
(32 mg/kg). In group 2 and group 3, metallothionein I was administrated once at two
different doses (1 or 2.5mg/kg i.p., respectively) 1h before TI intoxication. Levels
of endogenous antioxidants, oxidative stress markers were measured and histopathological
examinations were performed 4 days after TI administration. TI accumulation in liver
decreased related to the dose of MT. Mostly all of the alterations in the levels antioxidants
restored to normal levels in MT administrated animals. H(2)O(2) levels and lipid peroxidation
decreased, integrity of hepatocytes and membranous structures inside the cells were
preserved. The toxic effects of TI were modulated in MT administrated animals particularly
at the dose of 2.5mg/kg. These findings suggest an active role of exogenous MT against
TI-induced oxidative stress in rat liver.
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