Protective Effects of Rhubarb in Rats with Acute Pancreatitis and the Role of Its Active Compound Rhein on Mitochondria of Exocrine Cells

Figure 3

Acinar cell regeneration and ultrastructure were observed from the electron microscopy. (a) In AP rat, there were more lysosomes with more swallowed organelles after pancreas necrosis, rough endoplasmic reticulum mild expansion or disappearance, severe mitochondrial damage where ridges ruptured or disappeared, and mitochondrial swelling (arrows) on the 2nd day. (b) Ultrastructure of acinar cells from the electron microscopy was not detected with obvious morphological changes in the rhubarb treated group on the 2nd day. (c) On Day 5, swelling of mitochondria with a large number of lymphocytes is still found in rhubarb groups. (d) The overall shape of the acinar ultrastructure was ameliorated on the 8th day in the rhubarb treated group. Original magnification: ×1000 (a-d).

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