Tannic acid induced hepatic injury in Clarias batrachus

The effect of intraperitoneal administration of an aqueous solution of tannic acid was examined after different intervals of time. The results showed a gradual and progressive destruction of the liver cells and transformation of its architecture. The histological signs of liver damage appeared 2 hrs after the intoxication. Mild necrosis at periphery was noted even after 1 hour. After 2 hrs hepatocytes were swollen and sinusoids were contracted. These changes became more pronounced after 12 hrs and by 24 hrs extensive centrolobular and perilobular necroses and severe hydropic degeneration of liver cells were observed. Nuclear volume increased at the very first stage of necrosis but after 48 hrs binucleate and multinucleate cells were also visible. The nucleolus was hypertropied and divided into two or more portions after 1 hour. Connective tissue was degnerated after 24 hrs. Hepatic fibrosis was observed after five days of treatment. In all the present experiments vascular lesions and bile duct hyperplasia were the common phenomena.