Stimulation of rat liver growth by a single administration of lead nitrate

Abstract The effect of a single dose of lead nitrate on hepatic DNA and protein content was investigated in male Wistar rats. Liver enlargement was observed 48 hr after administration of the metal salt. The increase in liver mass was accompanied by an increase in total hepatic DNA and protein content. The enhanced activity of DNA synthesis was also shown by a significant increase in the incorporation of [ 3 H]thymidine into DNA of animals treated with lead nitrate thus suggesting that the observed hepatomegaly could be a consequence of lead nitrate-induced hepatic hyperplasia rather than cellular hypertrophy.