Histopathological Changes Induced by Thermal Exposure in the Rat Liver

Abstract

To clarify the effects of a thermal environment on rats, histopathological changes, and temperatures in the rectum and eyes of Fischer strain rats exposed to a thermal environment of 32°C for 2 days or 7 days were investigated. Thermal exposure to 32°C induced elevations in rectal and ocular temperatures. The increased temperature levels persisted during the thermal exposure. Vacuolar degeneration surrounding the hepatic vein was observed in rat livers exposed to 32°C for 7 days. No abnormalities were observed in other organs. These results indicate that thermal exposure to 32°C induces vacuolar degeneration in hepatocytes due to the elevation of body temperature.