Minimal hepatic changes in rats fed alcohol and a high casein diet.

This study was designed to determine whether prolonged ingestion of alcohol in combination with a nutritious diet can produce hepatic cirrhosis in the rat. Male Wistar-strain rats were fed a high protein liquid diet in which alcohol comprised 35.5% of total calories. Rats maintained on this diet for 19 months had normal growth. There was no evidence of cirrhosis after 19 months. Histological examination showed no hepatocellular necrosis, inflammation, or increased connective tissue. Ultrastructural study showed no substantial changes, except for occasional mitochondrial enlargement in cells containing increased lipid. Biochemical analyses at 19 months showed moderate increase in hepatic triglyceride levels and slight increase in hepatic collagen content in the experimental groups.