385-393.
Male albino rats were given 2,4 and 6% methyl alcohol solution as drinking water for 4 weeks. Liver tissue was examined for histopathologic and histochemical changes in some liver enzymes. Changes in some serum enzymes and glucose level were also assayed. The histopathologic changes in the liver were in the form of venous congestion, increased influx of inflammatory cells, bile duct proliferation, fatty degeneration and necrosis of liver parenchyma.
Succinic dehydrogenase (SDH) and membrane adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) activities increased whereas lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity decreased indicating enhanced aerobic glycolysis and active phosphorylation and inhibition of anaeobic glycolysis. This was accompanied by hyperglycaemia on the first week followed by drop of glucose to normal value sug-gesting its increased utilization as energy source to offset the effects of the toxin.
Acid phosphatase (ACP) activity increased in the liver parenchyma. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was also activated while membrane ATPase was inhibited revealing disturbances in membrane transport processes. Liver dysfunction was also confirmed by increased activity of the serum enzymes gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), glutamic oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT), glutamic pyruvate transaninase (GPT) and LDH.