[Morphometric and immunomorphological characteristics of the liver cells of rats after a single DAB exposure]

The paper deals with characterization of hepatocytes isolated by sodium perchlorate from livers of rats both intact and given a single intraperitoneal injection of a carcinogen--4-dimethylaminoazobenzene (DAB). 7 days after DAB injection a decrease in the number of large hepatocytes (600-900 microns2) and the appearance of "small" hepatocytes (64-128 microns2) were observed; an increased accumulation of glycogen was shown in certain hepatocytes. By the 30th day the picture was almost normal. Following the injections of phenobarbital (6 times) the population of "small" hepatocytes and abnormal distribution of glycogen persisted for 45 days after the carcinogen injection. By the indirect immunofluorescence reaction hetero-organic antigens of kidney nature were found in the outer membranes of hepatocytes on the 1st to 12th days after the DAB injection. The synthesis of these proteins is characteristic of rat hepatocellular tumours.