Comparative Histopathological Studies On The Effects Of Ionizing X-Ray Irradiation On Normal Liver And Hepatoma

Abstract

Normal mice exposed to X-rays showed distinct external symptoms and died mostly on the 13th or 14th day after irradiation. Pathological symptoms were more exaggerated in mice diseased with hepatoma and subjected to the effects of irradiation. These animals did not survive beyond the 4th day following treatment. Histologically, the normal liver displays the characteristic pattern of lobulation and disposition of hepatic cells. The whole tissue is enveloped by a layer of squamous epithelium. The liver of X-ray irradiated mice shows cloudy swelling in its cells, which became lightly stained and the nuclei display distinct signs of karyolysis. Hepatic blood vessels are markedly enlarged, engorged with blood and their limiting membranes and deteriorated. Hepatoma has lost completely the characteristic pattern of the healthy liver. Cells are much smaller in size, being oval or spindle shaped and irregularly disposed with their nuclei obviously injured. Hepatoma treated with X-rays show prominent signs of deterioration. Most of the tissue has been occupied by prominent vacuoles of variable sizes. The inter-vacuolar tissue is formed of necrotic cells.