Hyperplastic and Early Neoplastic Lesions of the Liver in Rats of Varying Ages with Dietary-Induced Cirrhosis

Abstract

Inbred Buffalo male and female rats, 4-, 8-, 12-, 24-, and 52-weeks old, ingested a high fat, low protein and choline deficient diet. Preneoplastic and early neoplastic lesions of the parenchymal cells, as well as cirrhosis, developed in the liver. Hyperplastic lesions generally were observed more often in male animals and in younger animals. The hyperplastic lesions, developing in the periportal regions, were similar histologically and with regard to age and sex to lesions demonstrated as precarcinogenic in animals given chemical carcinogens.