[Stellate reticuloendotheliocytes of the liver in chronic hepatitis]

59 liver biopsies were studied. Chronic active hepatitis (CAH) was diagnosed in 25 and chronic persisting hepatitis (CPH) in 8 cases. No liver structure changes or inflammatory processes were found in 26 biopsies of control group. Stellate reticuloendotheliocytes (SR) were identified by a reaction on acid alpha-naphthylesterase. Quantitation of SR was performed stereometrically. The proportion of SR in the control was 1.08 +/- 0.06 v.%, nonactive cells predominated. The quantity and activity of SR in CPH were like control. The number of SR in CAH significantly increased (2.14 +/- 0.17%) as compared to the control. The number of active cells increased up to 42 +/- 5.8% against 30 +/- 3.0% in control. Activation of SR in CAH comparing to CPH is possibly due to step-like necrosis characteristic for CAH. SR phagocyte the products of hepatocyte destruction providing host homeostasis. Activation of SR phagocytosis is followed by an enhanced secretion of lysosomal enzymes having growth stimulating effect. This allows one to speak about the participation of these cells in reparative regeneration of liver.