Effect of 3,4-benzopyrene on ultrastructure of sinusoidal cells of the liver in adult male rats.

Reorganization of sinusoidal cells (endotheliocytes, Kupffer cells, and Ito cells) in the liver microregion of male rat liver exposed to 3,4-benzopyrene was studied. Synchronous activation of the lysosome-vacuole systems in Kupffer cells and endotheliocyte indicates cooperation of these cells in detoxification of benzopyrene and its metabolites. Ito cells lose lipid inclusions and actively proliferate; the appearance of intermediate forms between lipocytes and fibroblasts attests to activation of fibrogenesis in the liver.