[An ultrastructural study of the changes of the liver and spleen induced by experimental E. coli endotoxin shock--with special reference to effects of the low-dose heparin therapy].

Firstly, the author has investigated how low-dose heparin had influence on reticuloendothelial system of the normal Wistar rats. Secondly, the effect of the low-dose heparin therapy on E. coli endotoxin shock was investigated as to the ultrastructural changes of the liver and spleen of rats. Activation of the phagocytosis which was substantiated by increased uptake of the carbon was observed in heparin administered rats. In this group, abundant development of intra-cellular organellae was noted in the cytoplasm of the hepatic Kupffer cells, macrophages and reticulum cells of the spleen. The E.coli endotoxin administration resulted in formation of micro-thrombi in sinusoidal spaces of the liver at 4 hours after administration. The Kupffer cells also involved in striking disintegration and necrosis. Similarly the sinusoidal lining cells were denudated with disintegration and necrosis. The above-mentioned changes persisted for long term, while the changes less in heparin administered group. The active phagocytic process was discernible in the latter group. Cellular preservation was also excellent in the spleen. The mortality was lower in initial heparin-treated group in comparison with that of untreated control group.