Abstract
Rats fed diets containing 0.1 percent of three polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) (Arochlor 1248, Arochlor 1254, Arochlor 1262) for six weeks show a progressive enlargement of the liver. This liver hypertrophy is attributed to proliferation of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum, development of large membranous concentric arrays, and increase in lipid droplets within the cytoplasm of the affected liver cells. Liver homogenates show increased levels of protein and RNA and reduced concentrations of DNA. Microsomal fractions have increased levels of protein and phospholipids, and reduced levels of cholesterol. Also, there are modifications in the activity of certain hepatic microsomal enzymes. By the sixth week, the animals have progressed from a stimulatory effect on the liver by the PCBs to a stage where regressive hepatic changes are occurring, such as a decreased activity of microsomal enzymes, dissolution of concentric membrane arrays, vesiculation of the endoplasmic reticulum, and accumulation of lipid droplets within the cytoplasm of the affected cells.
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Allen, J.R., Abrahamson, L.J. Morphological and biochemical changes in the liver of rats fed polychlorinated biphenyls. Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 1, 265–280 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01985749
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01985749