Carbon Tetrachloride

Also known as:  Tetrachloromethane

Carbon Tetrachloride is a colorless, mobile liquid that has a characteristic ethereal odor similar to that of Chloroform.  It is used in industry as a cleansing fluid and as a fire extinguisher additive.

Carbon Tetrachloride is commonly used in experimental models to initiate chemically-induced Liver damage as a means of testing for compounds that may protect Liver function.

Excretory System

 Carbon Tetrachloride may cause degeneration of the Kidneys.

Metabolism

 Carbon Tetrachloride may damage the Liver (it stimulates the production of large numbers of Free Radicals within the Liver).  This damage occurs when Carbon Tetrachloride activates Cytochrome P-450 to produce Free Radicals:

 Carbon Tetrachloride may cause Cirrhosis.

 Carbon Tetrachloride may cause Fatty Liver.

Enzymes

 Carbon Tetrachloride may increase serum Beta-Glucuronidase (a pro-carcinogenic enzyme) activity.

Amino Acids

 Alanine may help to protect the Liver from the damage caused by Carbon Tetrachloride.  ^[1]

 Amino Acids - Branched Chain (BCAAs) may help to protect the Liver from the damage caused by Carbon Tetrachloride.  ^[2]

 S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) may reduce the Liver damage caused by Carbon Tetrachloride.

 Taurine may reduce the Liver damage caused by Carbon Tetrachloride.  ^[3]

 Tryptophan may reduce the toxic effects of Carbon Tetrachloride on the Liver.  ^[4]

Hormones

 Melatonin may protect the body’s Cells and tissues (especially the Liver) against the toxic effects of Carbon Tetrachloride (due to the Antioxidant properties of Melatonin).  ^[5]