Cisplatin (cis-diamminedichloroplatinum II) is a broad spectrum anti-cancer agent. Its main limitations are its severe toxic side effects. Cisplatin’s major mechanisms of action include inhibition of DNA synthesis by interstrand and intrastrand crosslinking, inhibition of cytokinesis, and macrophage activation. Cisplatin acts through the activation of the immune system by inducing macrophages to form cytoplasmic extensions which seek out and phagocytose tumor cells. More recently, cisplatin has been shown to activate Kupffer cells (macrophages in the liver) by increasing their number and cytoplasmic extensions. Electron microscopic analysis of cisplatin treated rat liver in vivo was performed to examine these extensions in greater detail and relate these to other changes in the liver cells.

Wistar rats (100-130 g) were given intraperitoneal injections of cisplatin (9 mg/kg in 0.9% sodium chloride) over a five day period. Controls were treated with equal amounts of the vehicle of injection. After 9 days the rats were sacrificed. Segments of liver were fixed in 2% glutaraldehyde in 0.1 M cacodylate buffer (pH 7.3).