Histopathological sequence of hepatic and renal lesions in rats after cessation of the repeated administration of CCl4.

The histopathological sequence of hepatorenal lesions in rats after cessation of the repeated administration of CCl4 (0.5 ml/kg, p.o., twice a week for 12 weeks) was examined. In the liver, cirrhotic lesions reduced rapidly after cessation of the CCl4-administration and collagen bundles surrounding the pseudolobules almost disappeared 12 weeks later. In contrast, in the kidney, vacuolation of epithelial cells in the proximal tubules disappeared rapidly but glomerular lesions progressed even after cessation of the CCl4-administration, and marked glomerulosclerosis developed 12 weeks later. Electron microscopically, marked expansion of the mesangial region due to increases of mesangial cells and matrix material, irregular thickening of the capillary basement membrane with mesangial interposition, and various degenerative changes in podocytes including deposition of small-sized droplets were observed.