NUMBER OF PURKINJE CELLS AND BERGMANN ASTROCYTES IN RATS WITH CCl4-INDUCED LIVER DISEASE

Abstract

The nuclei of Purkinje cells and Bergmann astrocytes were counted on sagittal sections from cerebellum and in the length of stratum gangliosum was measured in rats with CCl4-induced liver disease, using an electronic image analyzer. After 8 wk of CCl4-administration, a reduction was found in the number of Purkinje cells, many of which showed homogenizating changes. Ten weeks after termination of the administration period the number of Purkinje cells was reduced by 12%. The number of Bergmann astrocytes remained significantly increased after 8 wk of CCl4-administration (max. 20%). The changes of Purkinje cell and Bergmann astrocyte density developed during the period of severe liver necrosis, whereas only minor changes were found in the ensuing period of liver cirrhosis. In the perfusion fixed specimens, the Bergmann astrocyte nuclei increased in volume up to 65% and immersion fixed brains showed typical Alzheimer type II nuclear changes. The impact of the increased plasma ammonia concentration on the astrocytes is discussed.