No abstract available.
Cytoskeleton/*ultrastructure ; Hepatocytes/*ultrastructure ; Humans ; Liver Diseases/*pathology

OBJECTIVETo explore the ultrastructural changes of hepatocyte fibrogenesis in cholelithiasis in biliary tract.

METHODSl0 liver biopsies were taken from the patients suffered from gallstone and choledocholithiasis during surgical treatment and the ultrastructural changes were observed under electromicroscope.

RESULTSThere were plentiful collagenous microfibrils (CMFs) grown within some hepatocytes. These CMFs distributed locally or diffusely in cytoplasm even extended into nucleus. In 7 cases numerous megamitochondrias appeared in several hepatocytes, the inclusions mimicking fibrils could be frequently seen and grew beyond the envelope. Furthermore, typical CMFs could be seen in the large microbodies, and several vesicular or cystic structures similar as fibroblast were presented in marginal areas of the hepatocytes.

CONCLUSIONSWe deduce that the fibrosed hepatocytes may be remained and take part in the hyperplasia of hepatic fibrous tissue.

Adult ; Cholelithiasis ; pathology ; ultrastructure ; Female ; Hepatocytes ; pathology ; ultrastructure ; Humans ; Liver Cirrhosis ; pathology ; Male ; Middle Aged

To assess the extent of microfilaments in cholestatic liver diseases we examined the cytoplasmic microfilaments in intrahepatic and extrahepatic cholestasis in man by electron microscopy. Study subjects were two patients with drug-induced intrahepatic cholestasis, three patients with intrahepatic cholestasis due to viral hepatitis, four patients with extrahepatic cholestasis due to stones of the common bile duct and two patients with primary biliary cirrhosis. Two biopsied specimens from patients without clinical or histological evidence of liver disease served as noncholestatic controls. The microfilaments in hepatocytes and biliary ductular cells were significantly increased in cholestasis compared with those in non-cholestatic controls. Well developed bundles of microfilaments were noted around the pericanalicular ectoplasm and seemed to be parallel to plasma membrane of the hepatocytes in cholestasis. In cholestasis, there were increased bundles of microfilaments around the periluminal region, lateral cell wall, and nucleus of biliary ductular cells. Two patterns of microfilaments bundles (fine microfilamentous network and spindle-shaped dense or clusters of microfilaments) were associated with cholestasis. The clustered form of microfilaments also seemed to be clearly associated with intracytoplasmic vacuoles containing bile salts. In conclusion, the increase of microfilaments in hepatocytes and biliary ductular cells may be the consequence of various forms of cholestasis. Further studies are needed to clarify the functional significance of increased microfilaments in cholestasis.
Bile Canaliculi/*pathology/ultrastructure ; Biopsy ; Cholestasis, Intrahepatic/*pathology ; Hepatocytes/*pathology/ultrastructure ; Humans ; Microfilaments/*pathology/ultrastructure ; Microscopy, Electron

No abstract available.
Chronic Disease ; Hepatocytes/*ultrastructure ; Humans ; Inclusion Bodies/*ultrastructure ; Liver Diseases/*pathology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinicopathological features of infantile cytomegalovirus hepatitis.

METHODLiver biopsies from 30 cases of infantile cytomegalovirus hepatitis were observed under optical microscope and electronic microscope.

RESULTThe main clinical manifestations were jaundice, splenohepatomegaly and hypohepatia. Laboratory test showed dysfunction of liver, high level of CMV DNA, and high titer of anti-CMV antibody. Imaging examination demonstrated hepatomegaly. The histological changes were hepatocellular degeneration, necrosis, apoptosis, and fibrosis. The histological characteristics of cytomegalovirus hepatitis, including intranuclear inclusions in multinucleated giant cells and pseudo-lumens, were also observed under optical microscope. In addition, virion was observed in the nuclei and cytoplasm of hepatocytes under electronic microscope.

CONCLUSIONThe viral DNA and serological tests have limited utility for the diagnosis of infantile cytomegalovirus hepatitis, and the final diagnosis depends on histopathology.

Biopsy, Needle ; Cytomegalovirus Infections ; pathology ; Female ; Hepatitis, Viral, Human ; pathology ; Hepatocytes ; pathology ; ultrastructure ; Humans ; Inclusion Bodies, Viral ; pathology ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Liver ; pathology ; Male ; Mitochondria, Liver ; pathology ; ultrastructure

OBJECTIVETo explore the pathological characteristics of inborn hyperbilirubinemia of patients with Gilbert's syndrome (GS).

METHODSPatients with GS (n = 7) and patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB; n = 8) were enrolled in the study. GS was diagnosed by peripheral blood analysis results showing glucuronyl transferase gene mutation. The histology and ultrastructure of biopsied liver tissues were evaluated by light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy.

RESULTSThe GS group showed normal structure in the hepatic portal area and lobule; however, bile pigment granules with high electron density were noted in the hepatocytes. The CHB group showed abnormal structure of the hepatic lobules, including infiltration of inflammatory cells, necrotic regions, degenerated hepatocytes, bile duct injury, and fibrosis in the portal tracts; a few bile pigment granules were observed. The GS group also showed greater quantity and size of bilirubin deposits than the CHB group.

CONCLUSIONThe histological and ultrastructural features of GS include normal hepatic lobule and deposition of bile pigment granules in hepatocytes.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; Female ; Gilbert Disease ; pathology ; Hepatitis B, Chronic ; pathology ; Hepatocytes ; ultrastructure ; Humans ; Liver ; cytology ; pathology ; Male ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo explore characteristics of the myelin-like bodies in the hepatocytes of patients with Dubin-Johnson syndrome (DJS) complicated with chronic hepatitis B (CHB).

METHODS11 cases of DJS complicated with CHB and 5 cases DJS without CHB were studied clinicopathologically. The hepatocyte ultrastructure was observed with transmission electron microscope and taken photos. The data were compared and analyzed using Fisher's Exact Test.

RESULTSDeposition of myelin-like bodies can be observed in the hepatocytes of DJS patients with CHB but can not in DJS patients without CHB. The morphology of pigment varys. The electron density and volume of pigment in DJS patients with CHB can be classified into five types: brights (2/11,18.2%), reticulation (1/11, 9.1%), punctiform (6/11, 54.5%), abnormity (1/11, 9.1%) and primary type (1/11, 9.1%). The myelin-like bodies in the hepatocytes of patients with DJS are high density and round with membrance (we named it as primary type) (5/5, 100%).

CONCLUSIONSThe myelin-like bodies in the hepatocytes of DJS patients with CHB possess special pleomorphism and may have important diagnostic value.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Female ; Hepatitis B, Chronic ; complications ; pathology ; Hepatocytes ; chemistry ; pathology ; ultrastructure ; Humans ; Jaundice, Chronic Idiopathic ; complications ; pathology ; Male ; Myelin Sheath ; ultrastructure ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVESTo study the feasibility and possibility to diagnose Wilson disease with electronmicroscopical examination of liver biopsies.

METHODSClinical analysis, histological observation and ultrastructural examination were performed on 15 children with Wilson disease.

RESULTSAll 15 subjects had symptoms of hepatic disorders, such as jaundice. Morphological signs of hepatocyte injury in three phase, namely steatosis, mitochondrion changes and cholestasis in bile canaliculi of the early phase, nucleus injury, dilation of endoplasmic reticulum, increase of lysosomes and appearance of residual bodies of the second phase, and massive autophagy and cirrhosis of the late phase were shown. A few inflammatory cells in the liver specimens were observed. Accumulation of copper in lysosomes and autophagosomes was found by energy-dispersion X-ray.

CONCLUSIONThe diagnostic signs for Wilson disease are autophagosomes in hepatocytes, cirrhosis accompanied with a few of inflammatory cells. A certain diagnosis of the disease depends on the finding of copper accumulation in hepatocytes.

Adolescent ; Biopsy, Needle ; Child ; Copper ; metabolism ; Female ; Hepatocytes ; metabolism ; Hepatolenticular Degeneration ; diagnosis ; pathology ; Humans ; Liver ; pathology ; ultrastructure ; Male

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study was designed to clarify the fine structures of the hepatocytes and mesencymal tissues in chronic hepatitis according to severity. METHOD: For the purpose of elucidating the ultrastructural characteristics of mesenchymal tissues, liver biopsy specimens were studied by light and electron microscopy in 20 patients with chronic hepatitis. RESULTS: 1) Hepatocytes in mesenchymal tissues were thought to be in the stage of regenerated or degenerated process. 2) Regenerating nodules were surrounded by a basement membrane-like materials in the space of Disse. 3) In the widened Disse space the deposition of collagen fiber bundles and increased numbers of hepatic stellate cells in necrotic area were observed. 4) In necrotic areas, hepatic mesenchymal cell response including an increase of collagen fibers and fibroblast, angiogenesis, and a proliferation of bile ductules were also observed. CONCLUSIONS: These observations suggest that the fibrosis in severe chronic hepatitis was accompanied by the mesenchymal response including the proliferation of hepatic stellate cells, fibroblasts, capillarization of Disse space, and mesenchymal proliferation. Finally, this fibrosis observed electron microscopically may be a cause of functional hepatic failure.
Adult ; English Abstract ; Female ; Hepatitis, Chronic/*pathology/virology ; Hepatitis, Viral, Human/*pathology ; Hepatocytes/ultrastructure ; Human ; Liver/*ultrasonography ; Male ; Mesoderm/ultrastructure ; Microscopy, Electron ; Middle Aged

BACKGROUND/AIMS: In spite of increasing interests about nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), there are few reports about the ultrastructure of hepatocyte in this disease. The aim of this study was to clarify abnormal electron microscopic (EM) findings and related factors in NASH. METHODS: Total of fourteen patients who underwent liver biopsy due to steatohepatitis were included. Precise personal history was taken and variable blood tests such as liver function test, lipid profile, and serum iron study were done. Pathologic examination with light and electron microscopy was done by single pathologist. RESULTS: Eleven men and three women were included and mean age was 33.7+/-12.8 years. Nine patients drinking less than 40 g/week was grouped as "NASH group" and other 5 patients drinking more than 40 g/week and body mass index less than 25 was grouped as "ASH (Alcoholic Steatohepatitis) group". Polymorphism of mitochondria such as megamitochondria or loss of cristae was major abnormal EM findings and was more common in "NASH group" than "ASH group" (p=0.027). There was no significant clinical or pathological factors related with the presence of these abnormal EM findings. CONCLUSIONS: Polymorphism of mitochondria is major abnormal EM finding of steatohepatitis and is more common in NASH than ASH. And there is no significant clinical or pathological factors which could predict the presence of these abnormal EM findings.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Fatty Liver/*pathology ; Female ; Hepatocytes/*ultrastructure ; Humans ; Liver Diseases, Alcoholic/*pathology ; Male ; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission ; Middle Aged ; Mitochondria, Liver/ultrastructure