Histological and histochemical study of alloxan induced diabetes on the liver of rabbit

ABSTRACT

In the present study thirty rabbits were used and divided into control group [A] and two experimental groups B and C injected with 100mg/kgm body weight of alloxan. The animals of group B were sacrificed eight weeks after injection while those of group [C], were sacrificed after sixteen weeks of injection. The dissected liver was fixed in 10% formal saline and processed for routine paraffin technique. The obtained sections were stained with haematoxylin and eosin. Masson trichrome, PAS technique. Bests carmine and Gomori calcium phosphate for alkaline phosphatse. Examination of the liver sections of control group [A] revealed classical structure of hepatic lobule with great amount of glycogen granules. Alkaline phosphatase activity was weak. Liver sections of diabetic rabbits for 8 weeks showed mild inflammatory reaction with condensation of collagen fibers in the portal tract. Glycogen content decreased and alkaline phosphatase activity was moderate. Sixteen weeks after injection of alloxan vacuolation of liver cells, marked condensation of collagen fibers in portal tract and periportal region and decreased glycogen content were observed. The activity of alkaline phosphatase was moderate. This study concluded that, untreated diabetes mellitus could lead to a destructive effect on liver cells and their enzymes