Effect of clofibrate on the peroxisomes of the intestine of the rat during foetal development.

The aim of the present work was to study the action of clofibrate, known as peroxisomal proliferator, on the intestinal peroxisomes in the foetus of treated pregnant females. The Novikoff technique (catalase activity detection) shows an increase in the number and size of intestinal peroxisomes in the treated females and in the foetus. Significant differences were observed between enterocyte peroxisomal enzymatic activities (catalase and PBE: peroxisomal bifunctional enzyme) in treated and control females on the one hand, and in the foetus of treated and control mothers on the other. The ultrastructural immunocytochemical study of the PPAR (peroxisome proliferator activated receptor) shows labelling of the enterocyte nucleus and mitochondria by the gold particles.