Ultrastructural changes in the dog liver cell after isolated liver perfusion with various cytotoxins.

Following isolated liver perfusion with different cytotoxins - 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), methotrexate (MTX), dacarbazine (DTIC) cis-platinum (cis-PT) - liver tissue of dogs was examined with the electron microscope (a) directly after the perfusion and (b) after a survival time of 4 weeks (5-FU and DTIC). Acute disintegration of the granular endoplasmic reticulum and depletion of the glycogen stores occurred after perfusion with 5-FU, MTX, and DTIC, while cis-PT induced disintegration of the granular endoplasmic reticulum accompanied by an accumulation of glycogen. Four weeks after perfusion with DTIC signs of remarkably increased cellular activity were observed, while 4 weeks after perfusion with 5-FU the parenchymal liver cells revealed a well-balanced and moderate recovery of the cellular structures.