Scanning electron microscopic observation: three-dimensional architecture of the collagen in hepatic fibrosis rats.
BACKGROUND
In the process of hepatic fibrosis, the accumulation of collagen fibers is strongly related to the hepatic function. The aim of this study was to investigate the three-dimensional architecture of the collagen network in the liver of rats with hepatic fibrosis.


METHODS
Healthy adult male Wistar rats (n = 32) were randomly divided into a control group (n = 16) and a hepatic fibrosis group (n = 16). In the control group, the rats were treated with peanut oil while the rats in hepatic fibrosis group were treated for 10 weeks with 60% CCl(4) diluted in peanut oil. The quantity of collagen fibers was detected by Western blotting; distribution of the collagen was detected by sirius red staining and polarized microscope; the three-dimensional architecture of collagen in the liver was observed under the scanning electron microscope after fixed tissues were treated with cell-maceration using NaOH. Statistical analysis was performed using the u test.


RESULTS
The quantity of collagen fibers increased significantly in the hepatic fibrosis group. With the aggravation of hepatic fibrosis, collagen fibers gradually accumulated. They interlaced the reticulation compartment and formed a round or ellipse liver tissue conglomeration like a grape framework that was disparate and wrapped up the normal liver lobule. The deposition of collagen fibers was obvious in adjacent hepatic parenchyma, especially around the portal tracts.


CONCLUSIONS
Our experiment showed the collagen proliferation and displays clearly the three-dimensional architecture of collagen fibers in rat liver with hepatic fibrosis by scanning electron microscope. It can provide a morphological foundation for the mechanisms of changed haemodynamics and portal hypertension in hepatic fibrosis.
Wang
Xiao-hong
XH
Department of Anatomy and Histoembryology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100083, China.
Zhao
Jing
J
Zhang
Wei-guang
WG
Zhang
Li-ying
LY
Ma
Rui-qiong
RQ
Wang
Li-qin
LQ
Zhang
Shu-yong
SY
Tian
Long
L
D000818:Animals; D015153:Blotting, Western; D003094:Collagen / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D008106:Liver Cirrhosis, Experimental / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar
D003094:Collagen