STREPTOZOTOCIN-INDUCED LIVER TUMORS

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Abstract
Histological examination of random liver sections stained with hemotoxylin and eosin revealed no pathological changes in rats that were killed within 16 wk of streptozotocin treatment. Fifteen of 16 rats were studied at intervals from 17-72 wk and showed unquestionable severe hepatic damage. Almost uniformly, cystic structures were identified in every histological sections. These cysts were lined with cuboidal epithelium and, occasionally, mitotic figures were observed in the lining cells. These histological features are characteristic of cholangiomas. No inflammatory infiltrate was noted in conjunction with these adenomas. Small adenomas were found in the portal tract of the liver, which suggests that they originated from the bile ducts in the portal area. The presence and size of the adenomas dramatically increased the longer the interval between streptozotocin treatment and being killed. At 72 wk, cystic changes almost completely replaced the normal liver parenchyma and were apparent grossly. One animal that was killed 8 mo. after receiving streptozotocin had 4 distinct hepatomas in addition to 5 cholangiomas in a random section of the liver.