Lipid in the human gallbladder mucosa. A histochemical study by light and electron microscopy

The distribution of lipids in the epithelium of 70 gallbladders removed for cholecystitis was investigated histochemically. Lipid was demonstrated in 68 gallbladders--cholesterol and its esters, triglycerides, free fatty acids and phospholipids. Neutral lipid was found at the bases of epithelial cells in 90 per cent and at the apex in 10 per cent of the gallbladders. Phospholipid was shown at the apex of epithelial cells in 64 per cent of the gallbladders. Electron microscopy in 12 specimens revealed cholesterol in and between the epithelial cells and in the underlying connective tissue.