Protection against carbon-tetrachloride-induced lymphoid organotoxicity in rats by protein A

In a previous study we described protection of rats from carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4)-induced hepatotoxicity by protein A (PA). In the present report we described protection against CCl 4-induced lymphoid organotoxicity in rats by PA. Our data indicate that CCl 4 administration produced a significant increase in the number of total leukocytes and polymorphs in blood, a significant decrease in leukocyte count in bone marrow, and a significant loss in weight of spleen and adrenals. In the animals receiving PA prior to and after CCl 4, these values were found to be near those of controls. Histological examination revealed thymocyte depletion in thymic lobe and degenerative changes of tissue in spleen of CCl 4-exposed animals. PA treatment to CCl 4-exposed animals exhibited improvement and recovery from the damage caused by CCl 4. These observations throw a new light on the field of ccl 4 toxicity to lymphoid organs and their protection by PA.