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Updated: Jul 10, 2026
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High Content Screening Analysis to Evaluate the Toxicological Effects of Harmful and Potentially Harmful Constituents (HPHC)
Published on: May 10, 2016
Cyanamide hepatotoxicity. Incidence and clinico-pathological features
M Bruguera1, A Parés, D Heredia
1Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic i Provincial, University of Barcelona, Spain.
Liver
|August 1, 1987
Summary
PAS-positive ground-glass hepatocytes in liver biopsies indicate cyanamide treatment in former alcoholics. This histological finding, distinct from viral markers, aids in identifying drug effects.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Histopathology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Ground-glass hepatocytes are a histological feature observed in various liver conditions.
- Distinguishing the cause of ground-glass hepatocytes is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between specific histological findings in liver biopsies and the use of aversive drugs for alcoholism treatment.
- To identify a potential histological marker for cyanamide treatment.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of liver biopsy specimens from former alcoholics treated with cyanamide or disulfiram.
- Histological staining including hematoxylin and eosin, trichrome, orcein, and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS).
- Correlation of histological findings with drug treatment history.
Main Results:
- PAS-positive ground-glass hepatocytes were found in 9/9 asymptomatic former alcoholics on cyanamide treatment.
- These hepatocytes were also observed in one patient treated with cyanamide previously and one patient not on aversive drugs.
- No such hepatocytes were found in patients treated with disulfiram.
- Portal/periportal inflammation and fibrosis were more common in specimens with PAS-positive ground-glass hepatocytes.
Conclusions:
- Periportal PAS-positive ground-glass hepatocytes serve as a histological marker for cyanamide treatment.
- This finding aids in differentiating cyanamide's effects from other liver pathologies.
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