Serum gamma-glutamyltransferase as a measure of sporidesmin-induced liver damage in sheep

Authors: Towers NR, Stratton GC
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 26, Issue 4, pp 109-112, Apr 1978
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Livestock, Production animal, Ruminant, Sheep
Subject Terms: Inflammation, Integument/skin/wool/hair/fur/feather, Disease/defect, Diagnostic procedures, Mycotoxicosis, Liver/hepatic disease, Fungal/yeast, Photosensitivity, Toxicology
Article class: Scientific Article

---

Abstract: The relationship between serum concentrations of the enzyme gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) after experimental sporidesmin intoxication, and the severity of the liver damage seen on post-mortem examination of the liver, has been examined. Serum GGT activity in blood collected 2 to 3 weeks after administering the toxin is positively correlated to a subjective liver damage score and to losses in bodyweight associated with the intoxication. Determination of GGT activities provides a sensitive method for detecting and measuring liver damage in experimental sporidesmin poisoning. In the field, GGT determinations should prove useful in diagnosing liver damage associated with subclinical and clinical facial eczema giving additional information about the severity of the lesion.

---