ScienceAsia 29 (2003): 327-331 |doi: 10.2306/scienceasia1513-1874.2003.29.327

Gibberellin A₃ Induced Histological and
Histochemical Alterations in the Liver of Albino Rats

Saber A Sakr^a,*, Yosry A Okdah^a and Sabah F El-Abd^b

ABSTRACT: Gibberellin A₃ (GA₃) is a plant growth regulator used in many countries, including Egypt, to accelerate the growth of fruits and vegetables. The present work was conducted to investigate the histopathological and histochemical effects of GA₃ on the liver of albino rats. Administration of GA₃ by gavage at a dose level of 24 p.p.m. in 0.2 ml saline, 3 times a week for 3 weeks induced many histopathological changes in the liver such as cytoplasmic vacuolization of the hepatocytes with pyknotic nuclei, blood vessel congestion and inflammatory leucocytic infiltrations. Histochemical observations revealed marked reduction in total carbohydrates and total protein contents in the hepatocytes. These changes proved to be time dependent. Moreover, the level of the enzymes GOT, GPT and alkaline phosphatase in serum were significantly decreased especially after the third week. In conclusion, the present study showed that GA₃ affected the structure and function of the rat liver.

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a Zoology Dept., Faculty of Science, Menoufia Univeristy, Shebin El-Kom, Egypt.
b Cell biology Dept.,Genetic Engenering and Biotechnology Research Institute, Menoufia University, Sadaat City, Egypt.

* Corresponding author, Email: Sabsak@yahoo.com

Received 11 Feb 2003, Accepted 28 Aug 2003