Orcein positive granules in the hepatocytes in chronic intrahepatic cholestasis. Morphological, histochemical and electron X-ray microanalytical examination.
The morphological characteristics of orcein positive granules in hepatocytes from 11 patients with chronic intrahepatic cholestasis and from 2 newborn normal livers were studied. Histochemical investigations revealed their protein nature and many sulphydryl and/or disulphide groups. Copper was demonstrated in the granules by histochemical techniques and electron X-ray micronalysis. No difference was observed in the hepatic distribution and appearance of the granules between the livers of those with chronic cholestasis and the newborn. Ultrastructurally, a variety of electron dense granules were seen at the site of orcein positive granules in the hepatocytes of the patient with primary biliary cirrhosis. Some had a single-layered membrane and seem to be lysosomal derivatives. It is suggested that the copper in lysosomes seen in both chronic cholestasis and normal newborn livers, need not to be cytotoxic.
D000328:Adult; D002779:Cholestasis / Q000473:pathology*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003300:Copper / Q000032:analysis; D004577:Electron Probe Microanalysis; D006651:Histocytochemistry; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008099:Liver / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008105:Liver Cirrhosis, Biliary / Q000473:pathology; D008247:Lysosomes / Q000032:analysis
D003300:Copper