COPPER DEFICIENCY IN THE RAT EFFECT ON THE ULTRASTRUCTURE OF HEPATOCYTES

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Abstract
Summary: Copper deficiency produces a profound transformation of the ultrastructure of hepatocytes. The mitochondria become progressively enlarged and grossly misshapen with advancing copper deficiency. In severe deficiency the hepatocyte cytoplasmic space is crowded with giant, bizarre‐shaped mitochondria, many of which encircle other mitochondria. The possible mechanisms underlying mitochondrial enlargement and distortion are discussed. It is suggested that the changes in the components and properties of mitochondrial membranes in copper deficient livers cause the transformations of mitochondrial morphology.

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