[Comparative electron microscopic studies on benign liver tumors and jaundice associated with contraceptive drugs]

Author compared the ultrastructure of the hepatic tissue in 6 cases with benign hepatic tumours revealed in women taking oral contraceptives and in 3 cases with icterus. The majority of the ultrastructural changes were alike in cases with- or without tumours. Deposition of filamentous material of unknown nature in the biliar canaliculi and Disse-space associated with the damage to the cell membrane author believes to have a significance. Ultrastructure of the sinusoid endothel indicate an increased protein synthesis. The most striking feature of the tumours: formation of continuous capillaries in the place of sinusoids. Author emphasizes that systematic electron microscopic studies may contribute to our knowledge concerning the question of the effect of oral contraceptives on hepatic cells.