Acute effects of 2-nitropropane on rat liver and brain

Intraperitoneal injection (50 mg/kg) of 2-nitropropane (2-NP) induced lipid accumulation, centrilobular necrosis, degranulation of rough endoplasmic reticulum, proliferation of smooth endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondrial abnormalities in rat liver 24 h after exposure. These pathological changes were accompanied by elevated serum alanine aminotransferase (ALAT) levels. Hepatic glutathione content increased rapidly in exposed rats. 2-NP depressed markedly hepatic cytochrome P-450 and microsomal monooxygenase activity while the enzymes, epoxide hydratase, UDP-glucuronosyltransferase and cytosolic glutathione peroxidase were enhanced. 2-NP caused an increase of acetylcholine esterase activity in the brain. This effect was also detected in synaptosomes isolated from exposed rats. The results suggest peroxidative damage in the cells.