A Simple Microassay for the Determination of Hydrazine in Biological Samples. Effect of Hydrazine and Isoniazid on Liver and Brain Glutathione

Exper imenta l A simple microassay for the determination of hydrazine In laboratory samples is presented. The colored product of the reaction of p-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde with hydrazine was tested at 470 nm using double-beam mode In different samples. Internal standards and data on blood serum, liver, and brain of rats treated with hydrazine or Isoniazld are presented. The tissue glutathione content of these rats was determined, and the possible implication of glutathione in the brain toxicity of hydrazlne is discussed. Animals Male albino rats (230-270 g body weight) were used throughout the experiments. Rats were fed a stock diet (Prasa, Vara de Quart) and had free access to water. Experiments were started between 8:00 and 10:00 a.m. to avoid changes in glutathione levels due to circadian rhythm (14). Animals were injected ip with 1 mL/kg body weight of a IM solution of hydrazine, 5 mL/kg body weight of 0.45M isoniazid, or the appropriate volumes of saline for controls.