[Stellate reticuloendotheliocytes in cirrhosis of the liver]

The material from 113 point liver biopsies was studied. In 11 biopsy samples hepatic cirrhosis of viral origin was diagnosed, in 15 there was an alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver, and in 23--primary biliary cirrhosis. The comparative group included 8 patients with CPG, 13 with CAG, 32 with alcohol induced fatty dystrophy and 12 with non-alcoholic fatty dystrophy. Twenty six biopsy samples in which there were no inflammatory changes, the hepatic structure was unaltered, were used as controls. Stellate reticuloendotheliocytes were identified by means of acid-alpha-naphthyl-acetate esterase test. Quantitative assessment of stellate reticuloendotheliocytes (SR) was made stereometrically. In cases of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), active viral and alcoholic cirrhosis significant SR activation was found (due to hepatic parenchyma necroses) to maintain homeostasis. The biggest SR activation was revealed in PBC which is connected with the involvement of the immune mechanisms in this disease.