Abstract
Background: In this study, we analysed the histopathological and ultrastructural effects of systemic chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) on the liver of healthy rats. Methods: Twenty inbred Wistar rats were used as controls and another 20 rats received a bolus infusion, via the inferior vena cava, of 375 mg/m<sup>2</sup> 5-FU. The animals of each group were sacrificed 16 h, 3 days or 1, 2, 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Results: Histologically, in one rat 16 h after 5-FU administration, we observed only a small necrotic focus of hepatocytes. Ultrastructurally, a mild vacuolization of cytoplasm, a decrease in mitochondria and an increase in lysosomes were observed. These abnormalities were restored 1 month later. Conclusion: Our results confirm that the particular dose, route and duration of 5-FU administration do not cause hepatotoxic morphological changes in the liver of healthy Wistar rats.
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