Effect of L-4-oxalysine on ultrastructures of liver cells in mice

Mice were given ig L-4-oxalysine (I-677) 10, 50, and 100 mg.kg-1.d-1 for 7 d. On d 8 the hepatocytes showed accumulation of lipid droplets followed by loss of matrices in cytoplasm. The total area of lipid droplets was far less than 25% of mean section of hepatocytes. The injury of mitochondria and RER was only found in the groups of medium and high dose. The lipidoses and regional topolysis of cytoplasm graduated away at same pace. After 4 wk the hepatocytes were restored to normal. Such finding suggests that the site of action of I-677 be at the cytoplasmic ground substance. The inhibition of protein synthesis causes a decrease in albumin carrier, that may be the main mechanism of steatosis of liver cells induced by I-677.