Gibberellin A3 Induced Histological and Histochemical Alterations in the Liver of Albino Rats

Abstract

Gibberellin A3 (GA3) is a plant growth regulator used in many countries, including Egypt, to accelerate the growth of fruits and vegetables. The present work was conducted to investigate the histopathological and histochemical effects of GA3 on the liver of albino rats. Administration of GA3 by gavage at a dose level of 24 p.p.m. in 0.2 ml saline, 3 times a week for 3 weeks induced many histopathological changes in the liver such as cytoplasmic vacuolization of the hepatocytes with pyknotic nuclei, blood vessel congestion and inflammatory leucocytic infiltrations. Histochemical observations revealed marked reduction in total carbohydrates and total protein contents in the hepatocytes. These changes proved to be time dependent. Moreover, the level of the enzymes GOT, GPT and alkaline phosphatase in serum were significantly decreased especially after the third week. In conclusion, the present study showed that GA3 affected the structure and function of the rat liver.