SummaryWhen cortisone is administered before, during or following a cirrhogenic dose of carbon tetrachloride, it enhances, precipitates or inhibits the cirrhogenic process according to the time of hormonal treatment. With the first schedule, it can induce necrotic hepatitis. In the second procedure, it enhances the growth of connective tissue. Finally, when cortisone administration follows the hepatotoxic exposure, it hinders the cirrhogenic process. This last action of cortisone seems to be due to its effect on ground substance metabolism.