Effects of diphtheria and tetanus toxins on liver regeneration in the rat

The effects of diphtheria toxin and tetanus toxin on the regenerating rat liver were studied. The following parameters were used: liver regeneration percentage, mitotic index, protein content and serum complement C3 fraction level. Diphtheria toxin does not affect the liver regeneration, that what confirms the poor sensitivity of the rat to this toxin. Tetanus toxin inhibits the cellular division, while causes an increase in the cell protein content, resulting in hepatocyte hypertrophy. Both toxins cause a fall of the serum complement C3 fraction.