Morphological features of galactosamine-induced hepatic insufficiency in gerbil

Abstract

We examined thirty two liver tissue sections from thirty two gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) treated intraperitoneally with selective hepatotoxin galactosamine (1.5 g/kg b.w.). Experimental animals were sacrificed by decapitation 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours after galactosamine administration. Liver tissue sections, routinely stained, were analyzed by light microscopy. 24 and 48 hours after the induction of fulminant hepatic failure, severe features of liver tissue damage (polymorphism, degeneration, necrosis) and weak features of tissue reaction were observed. Histological features of liver tissue damage were similar to toxic hepatitis, shock-related 'ishemic hepatitis' and hepatitis caused by herpes virus and hemorrhagic-fever viruses. 72 and 96 hours following galactosamine application features of liver tissue reaction were dominant (inflammation, hepatocyte regeneration, bile duct proliferation) while tissue damage signs disappeared. This findings confirm morphological restitution of the liver in galactosamine model of fulminant hepatic failure in gerbils.