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DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1647706
Warfarin Effect on Rat Liver Ultrastructure, RNA Content and Polysome Distribution
Publication History
Received:
14 March 1974
Accepted:
20 May 1974
Publication Date:
24 July 2018 (online)
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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