Electron microscopic and new microscopic studies of hepatocyte cytoskeleton: physiological and pathological relevance

The cytoskeleton is involved ina wide variety of cell functions and therefore is implicated in the pathogenesis of various liver diseases. However, the relationship between localization of the cytoskeleton and hepatocyte function has not yet been fully elucidated. In the present study distribution of the cytoskeleton in relation to the physiology and pathology of hepatocytes was studied by electron microscopy and new microscopic techniques, including confocal laser scanning microscopy, time-lapse video microscopy and high sensitivity digital imaging microscopy. The results suggested the usefulness of the new microscopic techniques in the analysis of pathophysiological roles of cytoskeleton in the liver.