Lipid accumulation in a hepatocellular carcinoma associated with hypoglycaemia.
Four serial specimens over 18 months from a hepatocellular carcinoma associated with hypoglycaemia were studied by light microscopy. Ultrastructural study was possible for two of the specimens. Progressive fatty metamorphosis of the tumour cells was observed. The mechanism postulated was that of diversion of carbohydrate metabolism to lipogenesis due to enzyme disruption and dextrose infusion. The possibility of a defect in lipid transport was also considered.
D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D006651:Histocytochemistry; D006801:Humans; D007003:Hypoglycemia / Q000150:complications / Q000378:metabolism*; D050356:Lipid Metabolism; D008099:Liver / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014617:Vacuoles / Q000378:metabolism