Structural alterations of the liver induced by N,N'-diacetylbenzidine. A new model of cirrhosis.

Little is known about hepatic structural alterations induced by administration of the aromatic amine, N,N'-diacetylbenzidine. Therefore, we injected adult rats with this chemical at a dose of approximately 1 g/kg of body weight. Light and electron microscopy of liver specimens revealed hepatocellular degeneration and prominent changes in bile canaliculi, including dilation, disappearance of microvilli, and an apparent loss of structural integrity of the cell membrane. These findings were seen in the peripheral part of the hepatic lobules. Cirrhotic changes eventually developed. We concluded that N,N'-diacetylbenzidine injected intraperitoneally is capable of inflicting structural damage to the liver in rats.