[Ultrastructure of the hepatocyte during hepatic regeneration after partial hepatectomy]

A batch of 45 male Wistar rats, weighing 180 to 325 grams, were used in the experiment. Partial hepatectomy was practiced to them and liver biopsies taken at different periods of times: 0 (control) 4, 8, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 72 hours and 45 days. The biopsies were examined at the electron microscope. During liver regeneration, a sequence of morphological changes was detected, having started with an important decrease of cytoplasmic particles, increase of lipids and laminar bodies like myelin. After 24 hours, preparatory changes for cellular regeneration were observed prior to full regeneration which was reached later.