The experimental acute poisoning in mice induced by emestrin (EMS), secondary metabolite of Emericella striata was examined pathomorphologically. The values of LD
50 toward male ICR mice weighing 20-25g at 24 and 48 hr following i.p. administration were 17.7 and 13mg/kg, respectively. The target organs of EMS were the heart, liver and lymphoid tissues. Typical central necrosis of the liver was seen in mice receiving 18mg/kg for 24 hr. Marked dilation and degeneration of the myocard and hepatocyte mitochondria were characteristic. Rough surfaced endoplasmic reticulum (RER) in the hepatocyte was proliferated. Occasionally, intracytoplasmic inclusions with fine fibrils and ribosome-like granules accompanying RER were seen in the hepatocytes around the central veins. A large amount of cell debris of lymphocytes was also seen in the cortical layer of the thymus 24 hr following i.p. injection of EMS.
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