Ultrastructural evaluation of hepatocytes membranes and changes in cytosolic enzymes distribution in methanol intoxication.

Acute methanol intoxication causes metabolic and structural disturbances of liver cells. The aim of this paper, therefore, was to evaluate the ultrastructure of liver cells membrane and the amount of lipid peroxidation products, as well as the concentration of marker enzymes of liver damage (ALT and AST) in blood serum. The experiment was done on Wistar rats which once received intragastrically 6,0 g methanol/kg b.w. as a 50% solution. The animals were decapitated 6, 12 and 24 h and 2, 5 and 7 days after the methanol administration. The liver was evaluated under transmission electron microscope and lipid peroxidation products were determined in the liver homogenate. The serum ALT and AST activity were also assayed. The biochemical results indicate the increase in lipid peroxidation products. The consequence of this is probably the membrane liver cell damage visible in the electron microscope.