Protective action of dithiocarbamates on experimental liver damage produced by carbon tetrachloride

The protective action of dithiocarbamates on CCl₄-induced liver damage in rats was assessed with liver function tests (BSP retention test and SGPT). When given immediately before CCl₄, all dithiocarbamates tested showed a protection against CCl₄ hepatotoxicity except for zineb and some “polymer” dithiocarbamates. For zineb it appears plausible that this was caused by a delayed absorption. No protection was found when one of the dithiocarbamates studied was given 1 hr after CCl₄ administration. From studies with some metabolites and related compounds it appears that only substances containing a carbon disulphide group have a protective action. Probably these compounds function as effective free radical scavengers. In addition, inhibition of microsomal liver enzyme activity and a lowering of body temperature could also be contributing factors.