Ultrastructural characteristics of novel epithelial cell types identified in human pathologic liver specimens with chronic ductular reaction.

摘要: Previous immunohistochemical studies on human liver biopsies with chronic ductular reaction revealed the presence of "small cells" bile-duct type cytokeratin profile in periportal area. This study identified similar cells by electron microscopy. The authors studied 13 specimens various diseases, but all characterized reaction. In specimens, variable numbers common epithelial characteristics were They could be classified into three types. Type I showed an oval cell shape and nucleus, early or established formation junctional complexes adjacent cells, a full assortment cytoplasmic organelles, bundles tonofilaments. II features differentiation, including lateral interdigitations, apical microvilli, basal pinocytotic vacuoles, basement membrane formation. contrast, III displayed additional indicating hepatocellular such as more prominent hemicanaliculus, glycogen rosettes. It is concluded that these small nature display differentiation either hepatocytes. These findings support existence bipotential progenitor liver. may have implications for regeneration carcinogenesis.