Parenteral soya bean fat emulsions potentiate the hepatotoxicity of E. coli endotoxin in suckling rats

A dose of soy bean fat emulsion which was injected i.v. in suckling rats accumulated in the cells of liver parenchyma, both in hepatocytes and in reticuloendothelial cells. Subsequent i.p. injection of E. coli endotoxin was followed by extensive liver tissue necrosis and increased activities of serum aspartic and alanine aminotransferase. These signs of liver damage were markedly more pronounced than those observed after the administration of E. coli endotoxin only.