Effects of colchicine on cholestatic liver injury in rats induced by bile duct ligation

To investigate the effects of colchicine on the cholestasis in rats induced by bile duct ligation(BDL), colchicine(0. 12 and 0. 24 mg/kg)was administered intragastrically for 7 consecutive days after ligation of common bile duct. The effect of colchicines on the liver injury was evaluated by serum biochemistry(ALT, AST, ALP, γ-GTP, TBIL, DBIL, ALB and TBA), liver myeloperoxidase(MPO)activity as well as histological examination. Both doses of colchicine significantly decreased serum ALP, γ-GTP and TBA levels, inhibited liver MPO activity and alleviate liver histological changes, such as inflammatory cell infiltration and interlobular bile duct hyperplasia. Data suggested that lower dose of colchicines(≤0. 24 mg/kg)exerted protection of bile duct injury induced by BDL in rats involving primary mechanism on inhibiting activation and infiltration of inflammatory cells.