Effects of chloroquine on hepatocytic organelles in rat.

The administration of chloroquine (Resochin) in rats produces significant changes in the hepatocytic organelles, which are described by morphometric and biochemical methods. There is an increase in oxygen uptake by the isolated mitochondria together with an increase in the specific surface of cristae. Volume densities of mitochondria, lysosomes, rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus increase, while that of glycogen decreases. The affecting mechanisms are discussed.