Beneficial effect of somatostatin in phalloidin-intoxicated rats. Influence on survival rate, biochemical and morphological data, and 3H-demethylphalloin absorption rate by the liver

The effect of somatostatin in phalloidin-intoxicated rats was studied. Animals were given phalloidin i.p. 1.2 mg/kg (LD 90-100). Somatostatin, 250 microgram/animal, was administered i.p. in saline 5 min prior and s.c. in protamine-sulphate/ZnCl2 suspension 30 min prior and 30 min after intoxication, unless stated otherwise. In vivo and in vitro uptake studies of the toxin were performed. Liver enzymes (GPT, GLDH) and kallikrein-like activities were determined in blood obtained by orbital venipuncture. Light and electron microscopy was carried out. Somatostatin treatment led to an increase in survival rate. Of the 20 treated rats six died whereas of the 20 untreated animals 18 died. A dose dependency was proven effective when half of the initial dose of somatostatin was given. In vivo and in vitro uptake studies of the toxin demonstrate that somatostatin does not alter uptake rate by rat livers. Liver enzymes remained elevated in treated and control rats. Kallikrein-like activities showed a 61% decline in treated animals whereas they rose up to 120% in controls as compared to pretreatment conditions. Light and electron microscopy reveals less severe lesions in somatostatin-treated animals. A possible interaction of somatostatin in shock development is discussed, phalloidin seems to be a suitable tool for further investigations concerning cell protection by somatostatin.