Effects of antibodies against chicken riboflavin carrier protein on fetal hepatic cell ultrastructure.

Day 12 pregnant mice administered antibodies to cRCP exhibited riboflavin deprival, which resulted in progressive alteration in the fetal hepatic cell structure, which eventually led to fetal wastage and termination of pregnancy. These changes were evident as early as 1 h following antiserum treatment. Three hours following treatment, other degenerative changes such as disorganization of glycogen particles and endoplasmic reticulum and degranulation of mitochondria were observed. Nuclear pycnosis, and increased myelin figures, accumulation of lysosomes, all indicative of autolytic changes, occurred 6 h following treatment.