CIRRHOSIS OF THE LIVER AMONG RATS RECEIVING DIETS POOR IN PROTEIN AND RICH IN FAT 1

Abstract

The majority of 20 rats fed for 150 days on a basal diet containing 8% protein, 44% starch, 38% fat, 2% cod liver oil, 3% yeast, and 5% salt mixture, showed fatty metamorphosis, necrosis, and cirrhosis of the liver, and kidney lesions characterized by necrosis, hemorrhage, and fibrosis. The hepatic lesions were prevented by an increase in the protein content to 25%, and by the adm. of 2 gs. of molasses daily. A reduction in the fat content to 10% diminished the severity of the lesions as did the adm. of 50 mg. betaine per day. Ten mgr. of cystine daily or 2% cholesterol added to the diet increased the fibrosis. The effect of cystine was ameliorated by betaine. Brewer''s yeast, 2 gr. daily, prevented the lesions. Thiamin and riboflavin were without effect. The renal lesions, like those of the liver, were prevented by brewer''s yeast and molasses; increased protein intake materially reduced their severity, and thiamin and riboflavin were again without effect. A reduced proportion of fat in the diet and the addition of betaine to the basal diet de- creased the severity of the lesions. Cystine alone had no effect on the lesions, although rats receiving cystine plus betaine showed no detectable kidney disease. Cholesterol markedly exaggerated the lesions. Neoplasms occurring in 20% of the rats receiving added cystine are described.