The early effects of short-term dexamethasone administration on hepatic and serum alanine aminotransferase in the rat.

Dexamethasone (DEXA) administration has been associated with serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevations that may result from enhanced ALT expression. The aim of our current study was to compare liver vs. serum ALT activity and to examine the onset of any hepatocellular changes.

cDNA cloning, expression, purification, distribution, and characterization of biologically active canine alanine aminotransferase-1.

Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is a pyridoxal enzyme found mainly in the liver and kidney, but also in small amounts in the heart, muscle, fat, and brain. Serum aminotransferase activities have been used broadly as surrogate markers for tissue injury and disease in human and veterinary clinical settings and in safety assessment of chemicals and pharmaceuticals. Because of its relative abundance in liver, increased serum ALT activity is generally considered indicative of liver damage.