Effect of fasting on lysosomes and peroxisomes in periportal and centrilobular hepatocytes: an electron microscopic study with quantitative analysis

ABSTRACT

This study examines the changes in the numbers of lysosomes and peroxisomes in centrilobular and periportal mouse hepatocytes following a 30-hour fasting period. The two organelles were counted per unit area of cytoplasm in groups of micrographs bearing the same number and magnification from each control fed and fasted liver. Results indicated that lysosomes increase with fasting by 100% in periportal cells [PC] and 140% in centrilobular cells [CC], while peroxisomes increased by 50% in PC and 140% in CC, compared to similar cells from fed animals. It is suggested that the two organelles play a significant role in fasting, that seems to be exagerated in cells around the central vein