Effect of Endotoxin on the Ultrastructure of Liver and Blood Cells of Hamsters

Abstract

The liver has been identified as one of the main target organs in fatal endotoxic shock (Fine, 1967). The present study was undertaken to study the ultrastructural changes induced in the liver and formed elements of the blood contained in liver sinusoids 30 min. and 24 hr after intracardial injection of an LD₅₀ dose of Escherichia coli endotoxin. No changes were detectable after 30 min., but after 24 hr: (1) the hepatic cells were extensively vesiculated; (2) the arrangement of the lining cells was grossly disturbed leaving wide gaps so that the lumen communicated freely with the space of Disse; and (3) the formed elements were all altered. Platelets were no more than “balloons” containing an abnormally light cytoplasm and a few vesicles. White cells had wide perinuclear zones, and red cells were aggregated. Such severe and extensive damage could be expected to result in liver disfunction, and likely inability of the cells to recover and regenerate. The damage could have resulted from direct action of endotoxin, from release of 5-HT, lysosomal enzymes and possibly other substances from platelets and other cells, or from ischaemia. Possibly all three were involved.

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