Hepatic alterations in giant bullfrog induced by tordon 2,4-D

ABSTRACT

Liver fragments of Rana catesbiana, experimentally exposed to 2,4 dichlophenolacetic (tordon 2,4-D) were processed for routine tranmission electron microscopy. Hepatic peroxisomes were visualized after incubation with alkaline 3,3'-diaminobenzidine (DAB) according to the method described by LEHIR et al (1979). Ultrastructural analysis revealed progressive hepatocyte changes induced by this drug. After 2-weeks, the hepatocytes presented evident dilatation and disorder of usual morphology of both smooth abd rough endoplasmic reticulum (SER and RER, respectively). Reduction of glycogen granules associated with an increased frequency of lysosomes was observed. Peroxisomes appeared in clusters with usual morphology. The RER displayed usual appearance but were more often observed in stacks. Lipid droplets were also visualized. After 4-weeks, there was a new increase of glycogen associated with a great number of mitochondia and peroxisomes. Moreover, SER and RER were still dilated. Intracellular lipid inclusions became more abundant. The present study demonstrates that the tordon 2,4-D induces untrastructural changes in the hepatocyte of Rana catesbiana.