Excretion of Coproporphyrin in Rats Developing Acute Massive Hepatic Necrosis. ∗

Abstract

Summary

1. The urinary and fecal excretion of coproporphyrin was studied at varying intervals in 21 young rats maintained on a diet containing 18% yeast as a source of protein.

2. Fourteen of the rats died suddenly between the 30th and the 125th day of acute massive hepatic necrosis. The gross and microscopic findings were identical with those described by Himsworth as characteristic of this lesion.

3. No significant increase in the excretion of coproporphyrin was observed during the course of these experiments. This is believed to minimize the likelihood of chemical or metal toxicity as the cause of the necrosis.