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Thromb Haemost 1974; 32(02/03): 366-381
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1647706
Original Article
Schattauer GmbH

Warfarin Effect on Rat Liver Ultrastructure, RNA Content and Polysome Distribution

Sharon M. Noonan
1   Departments of Pathology and Physiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, and Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Madison, Wisconsin
,
David J. Lorusso
1   Departments of Pathology and Physiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, and Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Madison, Wisconsin
,
Marion I. Barnhart
1   Departments of Pathology and Physiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, and Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Madison, Wisconsin
,
John W. Suttie
1   Departments of Pathology and Physiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, and Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Madison, Wisconsin
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received: 14 March 1974

Accepted: 20 May 1974

Publication Date:
24 July 2018 (online)

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Summary

Hepatic RNA content and distribution, polysome piofiles, and ultrastructure were studied in normal and vitamin K deficient rats following warfarin and/or vitamin Kx stimulation. Cellular RNA content was not influenced by warfarin treatment. The percentage of free ribosomes decreased slightly after warfarin but remained at normal values in vitamin K deficient rats. Polysome profiles from warfarin treated and vitamin K deficient rats were similar to control patterns.

The hepatic ultrastructural appearance in normal rats following warfarin treatment revealed the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) as the most responsive intracellular organelle. With increasing warfarin concentration, the RER demonstrated increasing dilatation and morphologic ribosome loss. These changes were reversed by vitamin Kx administration. Nutritional vitamin K deficiency did not significantly alter the ultrastructural picture from normal. These morphologic studies are in agreement with previous studies of hepatic structure in coumarin treated dogs. They also suggest the control of prothrombin synthesis at the intracellular site of the rough endoplasmic reticulum.

 

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