Changes of Rat Serum α-Fetoprotein Levels in Acute Liver Injuries Induced by Hepatotoxins

Changes of serum α-fetoprotein (AFP), transaminase (GOT,GPT) and bilrubin levels after a single administration of carbon tetrachloride, galactosamine, α-naphthylisothiocyanate or ethionine were studied in rats 4-5 weeks old. In liver-injured rats with or without necrosis of hepatocells, the serum AFP level increased in propotion to the administered dose of hepatotoxins. Both of increase and recovery in serum AFP level following these hepatotoxins treatment were observed at the same time with those in serum transaminase and bilirubin levels. These observations suggested that the increased production of AFP in these hepatotoxin-treated rats was closely associated with the hepatocellular injury and was not activated in process of the liver cell regeneration.