Pseudo-elastica in alcoholic hepatic fibrosis: histochemical and ultrastructural aspects

During the early phases of alcoholic hepatic fibrosis, histochemical studies show positivity to both specific elastin and the specific collagen stains at the level of the centrolobular vein, the portal triad and portacaval anastomosis. Ultrastructural investigation in the portacaval anastomosis demonstrates the presence of collagen fibrils and afibrillar material. Treatment with tannic acid increases the contrast of these structures. The possible correlations between histochemical and ultrastructural findings are discussed.