The integrity of liver protein synthesis in male rats treated with 1,2-dibromo-3-chloropropane

Male rats treated with a single dose of 1,2-dibromo-3-chloropropane (DBCP) were tested for their ability to carry out the synthesis of liver proteins. In animals treated for 12 h, we found no changes in the uptake of [14C]orotic acid into liver RNA or the uptake of [3H]leucine into liver or serum protein. Uptake of [3H]leucine into the soluble fraction of the enlarged liver increased in proportion to liver size, while the uptake of [14C]orotic acid was unchanged. Examination of the ultrastructure of liver cells from rats treated for 12, 24, or 48 h revealed that the structure of the rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum (RER; SER) were modified. An absence of ordered stacks of the RER and the presence of tangled nets of SER were noted.