Effect of Administration of Acrylamide and Possible Protective Role of Vitamin E on Postnatal Rat Liver Structure

Aim of Study: This study aimed to reveal the structural changes occurring in the liver of albino rats in the postnatal ages after oral administration of acrylamide (ACR) to their pregnant mothers and also to evaluate the protective role of vitamin E (VE). Methods: Fifty-four pregnant rats were equally divided into three groups: control; ACR-treated (received 10mg/kg/day by gastric gavage) and ACR+VE treated group (received ACR plus vitamin E, 100mg/kg/day daily). Treatment was given from day 7 of gestation till weaning. Pups were divided into two subgroups; postnatal days 1 and 21 (D1 and D21). Liver was processed for hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), Mallory stain, caspase 3 and electron microscopic (EM) examination. The mean area percent of collagen fibers and positive caspase 3 reactions were measured. Results: The ACR-treated subgroups at D1 and D21 revealed degenerative changes of hepatocytes. There were congested dilated central and portal veins, bile duct proliferation, marked increase of collagen fibers, strong positive reaction for Caspase 3 and electron-lucent areas of the cytoplasm of hepatocytes, with many vacuoles and shrunken electron-dense nuclei. On the other hand, the protective group receiving ACR plus VE showed some improvement of the histological and morphometric findings. Conclusion: Acrylamide caused marked hazardous impact in the liver of postnatal albino rats. Fortunately, concomitant administration of vitamin E might protect the liver.