A combination of Ang Ⅱ and carbon tetrachloride accelerates process of hepatic fibrosis

Objective To assess whether Angiotensin Ⅱ (Ang Ⅱ) and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) used in combination could accelerate the process of fibrosis and whether Ang Ⅱ play a role in exaggerating hepatic fibrosis in rats.Methods Ang Ⅱ was injected into the abdominal cavity of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats together with subcutaneous injection of CCl4. Rats were killed after 14 and 28 d. Blood serum and liver specimen were collected. The extent of fibrosis in the stained liver tissue sections was determined with the KS 400 Image Analysis System. Results Rats receiving Ang Ⅱ and CCl4 for 28 d showed extensive liver fibrosis. Along with the increase of hepatic fibrosis, the serum concentration of Ang Ⅱ went up gradually. Conclusions A combination of Ang Ⅱ and CCl4 would accelerate the process of hepatic fibrosis. Ang Ⅱ probably took part in the occurrence of heparic fibrosis.