Toxicologic Insults to the Bovine Liver

Abstract

The liver is subject to toxic insult due to its role in the metabolism of exogenous substances and the direct filtration of blood from the portal circulation, which carries absorbed toxins from the gastrointestinal system. Metabolism of xenobiotics in the liver is facilitated by high concentrations of cytochrome P450 enzymes, which catalyze biotransformation of foreign substances; conjugation of toxin metabolites increases their solubility and enhances excretion. An understanding of the common hepatotoxins and the circumstances that lead to their exposure in cattle will aid the clinician in recognizing clinical syndromes and submitting appropriate diagnostic samples for confirmation of suspected diagnoses.

Keywords: Aflatoxin; Copper toxicity; Cyanobacteria; Hepatotoxicity; Pyrrolizidine alkaloids.