Apoptotic index and histological assessment of hepatocytes after adriamycin treatment

摘要

Adriamycin is an antineoplastic antibiotic which is hiodegragated mainly in the liver. The purpose of this study was to analyse the apoptotic index and the histological structure of apoptotic cells in the rat liver. Rats were examined 4 and 7 weeks after adriaimcin treatment. The animals were divided into four equal groups: groups I and III. consisting of rats treated with a single intraperitoneal dose of adriamycin (5 mg/kg b.vv) and decapitated after 4 or 7 weeks: groups II and IV comprising control rats treated with a single intraperitoneal dose of 0.9% NaCl (0.5 ml) and decapitated after 4 or 7 weeks. After decapitation, liver specimens were collected and embedded in paraffin. Slides were stained with haematoxylin and eosin. The degree of apoptosis was determined quantitatively using the apoptotic index. Statistical analxsis was performed using the one-way A NOVA test and Student's t-test.A single dose of adriamycin induced apoptosis of hepatocytes. which increased with time The apoptotic index was significantly higher in the group examined 7 weeks after adriaimcin administration. The histological structure of the liver in the experimental groups was similar. The lesions observed were focal. The blurring of the hepatic cell membrane and a focal disintegration of architectonics concerning the shape and si/e of hepatocytes were visible. Chromatin in the nuclei was dispersed. Some nuclei showed peripheral chromatin condensation. The cvtoplasm of some cells showed numerous vacuoles. Naked nuclei and congestion resulting from vessel damage were visible.