Comparative Effects of Diabetogens on Liver Morphology

Abstract

The morphological alterations in hepatocytes from rats treated with four diabetogens were compared: alloxan (120 mg/kg, SC), 6-aminonicotinamide (35 mg/kg, IP), N-methylacetamide (6.25 ml/kg, P.O.) and streptozotocin (55 mg/kg, IP). It was found that these diabetogens were all able to cause hyperglycemia (blood sugar greater than 200 mg %) in the animals together with some changes in liver morphology and functions. Only N-methylacetamide could produce a significant increase in liver enzymes, SGPT and SGOT. , Liver cells from alloxan and streptozotocin treated animals displayed similar appearance: depleted hepatic glycogen, decreased RER and increased SER, and the presence of lipid droplets, which were more prominent in cells from streptozotocin treatment. The parallel pattern of ER normally seen in control hepatocytes disappeared after treatment with 6-aminonicotinamide and N-methylacetamide. It was also found that glycogen granules in these cells were diminished, an effect which was confirmed by chemical measurement. Some degree of cell damage was observed only in liver cells from N-methylacetamide treated rats. It was concluded that the hepatocytes were also the site of attack by these four diabetogens though the degree of their serverity might be different.