Effects of methylcellulose on hepatic glutathione levels and plasma ALAT following single oral administration to male Bom:NMRI mice

1. A single p.o. dose of 1% w/v methylcellulose 0.013 ml/kg was given to male Bom:NMRI mice using untreated animals as controls. 2. A circadian fluctuation was seen in the hepatic glutathione levels (GSH) of both the methylcellulose and untreated animal group. 3. The methylcellulose administration did not affect the hepatic GSH or plasma ALAT level compared to untreated animals. 4. Histological examination did not reveal any abnormalities of the stomach wall, liver or kidney during the 12 hr trial period. 5. Male Bom:NMRI mice treated with 1% w/v methylcellulose can be considered representative of untreated controls in short-term experiments studying liver GSH and plasma ALAT levels.