Histopathological changes in rat liver following repeated vespine envenomation.

The histopathological picture of rat liver was studied after repeated envenomation with hornet (Vespa orientalis) venom sac extract (VSE). Light microscopical and histochemical investigation showed foci of necrosis of the hepatocytes, a decrease in glycogen content and in succinic dehydrogenase activity, some fat infiltration and an increase in alkaline phosphatase activity. Electron microscopy showed a decrease in the number of mitochondria per cell as well as a decrease in their cristae, enlargement of bile canaliculi, and destruction of the endothelium of the sinusoids bringing the cytoplasm of the necrotic hepatocytes in contact with the lumen of the sinusoid. The rat liver is proposed as a model for the study of pathological effects of animal toxins.