Effect of triamcinolone on the ultrastructure of mouse hepatocytes

Premature female mice were injected daily with 1.5 mg/kg body weight of triamcinolone diacetate for 10 and 21 consecutive days. Electron-microscopic study of hepatocytes indicated the formation of 'giant' mitochondria concomitant with a marked increase in the number and size of lipid droplets. Hypertrophied mitochondria and enlarged lipid droplets were found to be in a close topographical association. The mechanism of mitochondrial enlargement is discussed as well as the latters' role in the hepatocytes' lipid metabolism.