Effect of Cortisone and Growth Hormone upon Ductular Cell Proliferation in Liver Ethionine Intoxication.∗

Summary Administration of cortisone inhibits accumulation of interstitial cells between liver cell plates, otherwise produced by oral administration of ethionine to rats. The inflammatory component of interstitial cells consisting of mononuclear cells and segmented leucocytes is entirely abolished whereas the otherwise prevalent ductular cell reaction, also considered a response of liver to injury, is almost completely prevented. Where ductular cells form, transitions between these and liver cells are observed. Liver cell degeneration characteristic of ethionine intoxication is not influenced by cortisone. Administration of growth hormone has a greatly reduced cortisone effect. Ethionine intoxication prevents the fatty metamorphosis produced by administration of cortisone and growth hormone.