Histochemical studies on the liver of Heteropneustes fossilis treated with carbon tetrachloride.

The effect of carbon tetrachloride on the liver of Heteropneustes fossilis has been studied. It results in centrolobular necrosis and cirrhosis. The hepatocyte nuclei are enlarged and balloon-shaped cells are visible at a few places. There is an increase at this stage in the DNA content of the hepatocyte nucleus. The cytoplasm is heavily laden with glycogen. Fatty infiltration starts and the fat content in the cytoplasm of the liver cells is increased. After 5 h of injection, the nuclei undergo lysis followed by ruptures in the cell membrane. The DNA content is greatly reduced. There is a marked depletion in the glycogen content. The bile canaliculi are filled with the extruded cell contents. The fatty infiltration increases at this stage.