Wistar albino rats were injected subcutaneously with mercuric chloride (5 mg/kg) to define the early biochemical determinants that participate in the pathogenesis of mercuric chloride-induced hepatotoxicity, especially focusing on oxygen free radicals, we studied malondialdehyde(MDA) level and the activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase in the liver of rats at 24, 48 and 72 hr after the injection of mercuric chloride. MDA levels at 24, 48 and 72 hr after the injection of mercuric chloride increased as compared with that of control group. The activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase at 24, 48 and 72hr after the injection of mercuric chloride decreased as compared with that of control group. These results suggest that the depression of the activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase resulting from excessive oxygen free radicals is an important determinant in pathogenesis of mercuric chloride-induced hepatotoxicity.