Histopathological changes in pregnant rat's liver following repeated halothane exposure

Adult white rats were divided into 3 groups; 6 rats each, (two males and four females). Group I was exposed to 1.5% halothane for 20 minutes every other day for 6 exposures. The rats were mated and exposed another 10 exposures. Group II was given 0.1% phenobarbitone in milk one week before, and during the period of exposure to halothane which was similar to the first group. Group III was kept as a control. At the suspected date of delivery, the rats were sacrificed, and specimens were taken from the liver for hematoxylin and eosin stain, PAS reaction and Sudan black stain. Repeated exposure to halothane did not affect the pregnancy rate, but it resulted in hepatic focal and centrilobular necrosis with glycogen poverty and moderate lipid content. The portal spaces showed thick connective tissue and lymphocytic infiltration. Phenobarbitone reduced the pregnancy rate and resulted in 16.5% fetal mortality with more hepatic necrosis and increase in glycogen and lipid content.