Hepatoprotective Effect of Neonatal Administration of Non-Opioid Leu-Enkephalin Analogue in Adult Albino Rats Subjected to Antenatal Hypoxia

Abstract

We studied the effects of neonatal administration of non-opioid leu-enkephalin analogue peptide NALE) on the morphological parameters of the liver and redox status of 60-dayold albino rats subjected to antenatal hypoxia. In animals subjected to antenatal hypoxia, a decrease body weight and reduction of the area of hepatocytes and total area of their nucleoli were observed; these changes were accompanied by activation of free-radical processes and impairment of antioxidant defense in the liver and blood serum. Intraperitoneal administration of NALE (100 μg/kg, daily) during postnatal days 2-6 normalized body weight, hepatocyte area, and total area of their nucleoli, significantly reduced the intensity of ROS generation, and improved antioxidant protection in the liver and blood serum in 60-day-old animals subjected to antenatal hypoxia.