Alcohol-induced injury of mitochondria in hepatocytes of mini-pig fetuses.

The present study describes the occurrence of abnormal mitochondria in the cytoplasm of hepatocytes from half-term mini-pig fetuses, whose mothers in addition to their ordinary fodder have received alcohol (ethanol) in daily amounts comparable to those consumed by human alcoholics. The abnormal mitochondria exhibit elongation and distortion, disorientation of cristae and the appearance of paracrystalline and electron-dense material in the matrix. These ultrastructural changes show striking similarities to the mitochondrial injuries seen initially in the hepatocytes of human alcoholics and probably reflect damage to the mitochondria caused by alcohol itself.