HISTOPATHOLOGICAL STUDIES OF THE EFFECTS OF CYTOCHROME C ON CARBON TETRACHLORIDE-INDUCED LIVER DAMAGE AND ON THE LIVERS OF AGED RATS

Abstract

Histopathological changes of the liver by carbon tetrachloride included vacuolar necrosis of hepatic cells, cellular infiltration, an increase in fat droplets, a decrease in glycogen particles and a degenetation and a decrease in the number of rough surfaced endoplasmic reticula. These changes were prevented by the administration of cytochrome c. These findings were consistent with the results of previous biochemical studies that cytochrome c prevents an increase in transaminase activity, an enhancement of BSP retention, an increase in hepatic neutral fat and a decrease in hepatic glycogen induced by carbon tetrachloride. Meanwhile, histopathological characteristics of the liver of aged rats included an increase in number of vacuoles in the cells, disintegration of and decrease in hepatocyte component, a decrease in the number of glycogen particles and an increase in fat droplets and consumptive substance. The histopathological changes of aging were either alleviated or inhibited completely with cytochrome c. The conclusion is in conformity with previous reports indicating that cytochrome c improved the liver functions of aged rats and decreased lipids of the liver.