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Morphological changes in the liver of rats intoxicated with methanol
1Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical Academy of Białystok.
Abstract:
On the basis of morphological examinations in light and electron microscope, the evaluation of methanol influence on the liver of rats was conducted. The examination was carried out in the group of 36 rats that were given a single dose of methanol (1.5 g/kg b.w.) into the stomach through a gastric tube. The liver was taken from rats under the ether anaesthesia after 6, 12, and 24 hours as well as after 2, 5, and 7 days of methanol administration. Results showed that methanol intoxication caused visible changes in the examined organ. Only 6 h after intoxication, lobular peripheral hepatocytes presented characteristic features of vacuolar degradation persisting up to 48 h. Since the second day of intoxication, many cells with double nuclei were found more frequently than in controls. Single hepatocytes or small hepatocytic clusters with the features of deliquescent necrosis could be seen after 5 and 7 days of examination. All animals intoxicated with methanol showed distinct weakness of glycogen reaction. The loss of glycogen resources was highest at 24 h after methanol administration. The results indicate, that methanol causes morphological changes in the rat liver and that intensification of these changes depends on the time after intoxication.
Insights
Methanol exposure causes significant liver damage in rats, including cell degradation and necrosis. These toxic effects on liver morphology worsen over time following intoxication.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Hepatology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Methanol is a toxic industrial solvent with known adverse health effects.
- Understanding its impact on liver morphology is crucial for assessing toxicity.
- Previous studies have indicated potential organ damage from methanol exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the morphological changes in rat liver following methanol intoxication.
- To determine the temporal progression of methanol-induced liver damage.
- To assess the impact of methanol on hepatocyte structure and glycogen storage.
Main Methods:
- Morphological examinations using light and electron microscopy.
- Administration of a single methanol dose (1.5 g/kg body weight) to 36 rats.
- Liver tissue collection at various time points: 6h, 12h, 24h, 2 days, 5 days, and 7 days post-intoxication.
Main Results:
- Methanol intoxication induced vacuolar degradation in hepatocytes, persisting up to 48 hours.
- Increased incidence of binucleated hepatocytes observed from the second day onwards.
- Features of deliquescent necrosis appeared in hepatocytes at 5 and 7 days.
- Significant reduction in glycogen reaction, peaking at 24 hours post-intoxication.
Conclusions:
- Methanol causes dose-dependent morphological alterations in rat liver tissue.
- The observed changes include cellular degeneration, necrosis, and altered glycogen metabolism.
- These findings highlight the hepatotoxic potential of methanol and its time-dependent effects.