Short-term effect of sodium benzoate in F344 rats and B6C3F1 mice.

F344 rats and B6C3F1 mice of each sex were administered 0, 1.81, 2.09 or 2.40% (for rats) and 0, 2.08, 2.50 or 3.00% (for mice) of sodium benzoate in the diet for 10 days. In male rats of the 2.4% group, relative liver and kidney weight, serum levels of albumin, total protein and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase were significantly increased and enlarged hepatocytes with glassy cytoplasm were seen using light microscopy. In male mice of the 3.0% group, absolute liver weights and serum cholesterol and phospholipid levels were significantly increased, and enlargement, vacuolation and necrosis of hepatocytes were evident.