Pathologic Changes Induced by β-2-Thienylalanine

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Abstract
β-2-Thienylalanine, a phenylalanine antagonist, was fed to rats receiving a purified synthetic diet in amounts of 1 and 2 % for 4 weeks. A marked loss of weight was noted in all the animals so fed. The pyloric glands of the stomach and Brunner's glands of the duodenum were altered. The pancreatic acini were shrunken and the cytoplasm was vacuolated. The acini of the submaxillary glands were atrophied. Kidneys were enlarged and the proximal convoluted tubules were damaged. There was spermatogenic arrest at the spermatid level. The ductus epididymis was narrowed and the epithelial lining was thickened. Prostatic epithelium was atrophic and the glands contained a decreased amount of secretion. There was a decrease in the mature lymphocytes of the spleen and of the thymus. The skin was hyperkeratotic and the hair follicles were atrophic. Thinning of the epiphyseal plate was observed, with a decrease in growth of bone. Less marked changes were noted in the heart, pituitary gland, thyroid, adrenals, and the liver.