Levels of malondialdehyde and 4-hydroxyalkenals in bovine liver biopsy

The present study was designed to elucidate if ethionine administration could be used to induce hepatic lipoperoxidation in cattle, as indicated by the increase concentrations of the lipid peroxidation products, malondialdehyde (MDA) and 4-hydroxyalkenals (4-HAE) in the hepatic tissues. Five cows were injected intraperitoneally with dl -ethionine (12.5 mg/kg body weight). Liver biopsy specimens were collected at the 0, 4th, 7th and 10th day after ethionine administration, and were used for measuring hepatic lipid peroxidation products (MDA and 4-HAE) levels and for histopathological examination. Statistical analysis was carried out by comparing data from days 4, 7 and 10 with those from day 0. Different degrees of cell swelling and glycogen degeneration were developed in the liver tissues on days 4, 7 and 10 after ethionine administration. The results revealed significant increases in hepatic lipid peroxidation products ( p