We examined the possible effects of elemental mercury vapor on the liver of the female rats. We divided the animals into an untreated control group and an experimental group that was exposed to mercury vapor for 45 days. Liver samples were obtained for histological and stereological analysis. The total liver, parenchyma and sinusoid volumes were increased significantly in the mercury vapor treated group compared to controls. Also, the mean density, total number and mean nuclear diameter of hepatocytes, except for binucleated hepatocytes, was decreased in the experimental group compared to controls. Light and electron microscopy revealed alterations of liver structure of the experimental animals compared to controls.
Keywords: electron microscopy; histology; liver; mercury vapor; rat; stereology; toxicity.