Review of the biochemical effects of Lantana camara toxicity.

Lantana intoxication of guinea pigs causes a decrease in liver dry weight, protein and DNA content while the amount of lipids in liver increases. Biochemical changes have been observed in liver mitochondria, lysosomes, microsomes, canalicular plasma membrane and cytosol of lantana-poisoned guinea pigs. There is cholesterol enrichment of mitochondria, microsomes and plasma membrane. Activities of oxidative enzymes of mitochondria or cytosol are elevated. On the other hand, activities of microsomal enzymes associated with drug metabolism are decreased. Similarly, activity of cytosol glutathione-S-transferase is significantly decreased. The out put of lipid peroxides by a number of tissues of lantana-affected guinea pigs decreases and can be attributed to enhanced activity of glutathione peroxidase and hyperbilirubinemia. There is leakage of lysosomal enzymes from the liver of lantana-intoxicated guinea pigs. Significant alterations have been observed in different blood constituents of lantana-affected animals. There is an increase in blood bilirubin (prominently in the conjugated form) hemoglobin, urea, and erythrocyte and leucocyte numbers. Erythrocytes of lantana-poisoned animals are more fragile to osmotic shock. Alterations in blood plasma enzyme activities are consistent with hepatic injury and cholestasis.