THE EXPERIMENTAL PRODUCTION OF NECROSIS OF THE LIVER IN THE GUINEA PIG

Through the intravenous injection of various substances differing very much in character, multiple necrosis can be produced in the liver of the guinea pig. In the mouse the effect of these substances is absent or much less marked. Different substances seem to differ, however, in their power to produce necrosis. In control animals necrosis in the liver is much more rare. It is found especially in animals subjected to various injurious influences. The necrotic areas are usually situated between the portal and central areas of the liver acini. Their development is not due to thromboses interfering with the circulation in certain areas of the liver. They are probably due to a weakening of the circulation in the liver or to interference with the metabolism of the cells as a result of the injection of foreign substances. Mechanical factors (pressure on the liver cells) may have an additional effect. This necrosis may be compared etiologically to the acute gastric ulcers which can be produced through a great variety of toxic substances in the guinea pig.