EFFECTS OF SEX STEROIDS ON THE SYRIAN-HAMSTER LIVER

The primary objective of this research project was to study the role o f sex steroids in the pathogenesis of cholelithiasis using the Syrian hamster as a model. In addition to the morphological examination of th e gallbladder epithelium, we thought it imperative to observe the chan ges induced in the biliary tract in response to the sex steroid treatm ent. This report focuses on the morphological changes induced in the l iver. The hamsters were randomly divided into 4 groups, control (C), e strogen-treated (E), estrogen and medroxyprogesterone-treated (E+MP), and medroxyprogesterone-treated (MP) groups. The E group hepatocytes d emonstrated proliferation of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum, lipofus cin-like granules, aggregates of glycogen rosettes, and dense bodies. Lipid droplets in the hepatocyte cytoplasm as well as the nuclei were detected in this group. E+MP combined treatment induced an exacerbatio n of all the changes observed in the E group, furthermore, there appea red to be a disruption of the hepatic parenchymal architecture. The MP -treated group also exhibited the architectural changes observed in th e E+MP group, but also showed sinusoidal dilation. In response to MP a lone, the fatty changes in the liver appeared to be accentuated. A str iking feature induced in response to MP treatment, was a focal area su ggestive of adenomatous changes.