The effects of N-acetyl cysteine treatment and nitric oxide synthase inhibition on oxidative stress induced by E-coli endotoxin

Abstract

In the present study, we have examined the effects of N-acetyl cysteine (NAG) on hepatic lipid peroxidation and glutathione levels in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and N-nitro-L-arginine (L-NAME) treated rats. LPS treatment to rats resulted in increased lipid peroxide levels and decreased glutathione (GSH) content in the liver homogenate and mitochondria. NAC plus L-NAME administration attenuated all the abnormalities caused by LPS. In conclusion, it has been suggested that NAC may have some beneficial effects in LPS + L-NAME treated rats.