[Multiple hepatic cysts in rat rendered diabetic by streptozotocin and treated by islets of Langerhans grafts: the role of streptozotocin].

This study is based on the investigation by light and electron microscopy of hepatic biopsies from 14 rats rendered diabetic by streptozotocin and treated by portal embolization of islets of Langerhans. Macroscopically, voluminous projecting cysts were observed, sometimes occupying a whole lobe. By light microscopy, the cysts were lined with canalicular-type epithelium. Ultrastructural studies confirmed the canalicular nature of these cells and cilia were frequently observed. The presence of identical cysts in rats rendered diabetic by streptozotocin but not treated by embolization proves that this product is the agent responsible for the induction of this adenomatosis.