The lectin-binding characteristics of aflatoxin B1 induced lesions in the rat liver.

Hepatocellular carcinoma was induced in rats by administering aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) for 6 weeks. Malignant tumours were preceded by foci and nodules of altered hepatocytes of three histological types, composed of basophilic, eosinophilic, and vacuolated cells. In addition, there were areas of altered hepatocytes that were considered as hyperplastic. Lectins were used as histochemical markers to compare the expression of membrane glycoproteins in hepatocellular carcinomas and hepatic nodules with non-nodular or control hepatocytes. There were marked changes in the lectin-binding patterns of the hepatocellular carcinoma cells and the eosinophilic nodules. The lectin-binding patterns of basophilic nodules, vacuolated nodules, and hyperplastic areas were similar to non-nodular or untreated hepatocytes. The similarity in the lectin-binding changes of the eosinophilic nodules and hepatocellular carcinomas suggests that the eosinophilic nodules may be an early stage in the development of carcinoma.