The cellular analysis of liver carcinogenesis: ultrastructural alterations within hyperplastic liver nodules induced by 2-fluorenylacetamide.

Abstract

The fine structure of 2-fluorenylacetamide-induced hyperplastic liver nodules and non-nodular surrounding liver in rats following a 24-hour fast was described. Within the nodule, annulate lamellae were frequently observed. These organelles were associated with an increase in smooth endoplasmic reticulum frequently arranged in cluster formation. In addition, within the nodule there was a concomitant decrease in parallel-arrayed rough endoplasmic reticulum and numerous small, lightly staining vacuoles. On the other hand, the adjacent non-nodular liver did not contain annulate lamellae, but did show large osmiophilic lipid bodies. Surrounding liver displayed preservation of rough endoplasmic reticulum and less clustered smooth endoplasmic reticulum. The combination of ultrastructural features imparted a characteristic appearance which specifically differentiated the hyperplastic nodule from adjacent liver.