Hepatocytic PAS-positive diastase-resistance inclusions in the absence of alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency--high prevalence in alcoholic cirrhosis.
The presence of PAS-positive, diastase-resistant inclusions in the cytoplasm of the hepatocytes is characteristic of alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency. The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether the presence of these inclusions is a specific feature, permitting the recognition of alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency in patients with liver disease. We examined the liver specimens from 20 patients suffering from alcoholic cirrhosis with the Pi M phenotype, i.e., in whom alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency was excluded. In seven of these patients, PAS-positive, diastase-resistant inclusions were seen in the hepatocytes; in two patients, these inclusions contained a material antigenically similar to alpha-1-antitrypsin. These inclusions might represent deposits of glycoproteins poorly excreted by the diseased hepatocytes. It is concluded that, in patients with liver disease, the presence of PAS-positive, diastase-resistant inclusions--even containing alpha-1-antitrypsin--in the cytoplasm of the hepatocytes does not permit the hepatic lesions to be ascribed to alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency.
D000681:Amylases; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000473:pathology; D006023:Glycoproteins / Q000032:analysis; D006519:Hepatitis, Alcoholic / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D002479:Inclusion Bodies / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D008099:Liver / Q000473:pathology*; D008104:Liver Cirrhosis, Alcoholic / Q000473:pathology*; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology; D010503:Periodic Acid-Schiff Reaction; D010641:Phenotype; D019896:alpha 1-Antitrypsin Deficiency
D006023:Glycoproteins; D000681:Amylases