The effects of a polychlorinated biphenyl)Aroclor 1254) on the white pelican: ultrastructure of hepatocytes.

White pelicans were each given 100 mg of polychlorinated biphenyls (Aroclor 1254) per day for 10 weeks. After the treatment period, the bird's food supply was decreased 50% for 2 weeks. Measurements taken from transmission electron micrographs of the pelican's liver tissue revealed hepatocytes of the treated birds averaged 22% larger in cross-section area than those of controls. The number of vacuoles (lysosomes, microbodies) per hepatocyte was 22% greater. The number of mitochondria per hepatocyte was 25% greater while 25% fewer cristae per mitochondrion were present in treated as compared to control birds.