Hepatocellular carcinoma developed on noncirrhotic livers. Sinusoids in hepatocellular carcinoma
Tabarin, A.; Bioulac-Sage, P.; Boussarie, L.; Balabaud, C.; de Mascarel, A.; Grimaud, J.A.
Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine 111(2): 174-180
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-9985 PMID: 3028315 Document Number: 303221
In hepatocellular carcinoma, there is modification of cell-to-cell and cell-to-extracellular matrix interactions. Two cases of well-differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma that developed in noncirrhotic livers were explored by light and electron microscopy on perfusion-fixed liver biopsy specimens. In addition, immunocytolocalization of collagen types I, III, and IV, laminin, and fibronectin was assessed. The main features included the following: (1) absence of collagen staining inside the tumor with Sirius red; (2) decrease of collagen types I and III and the increase of collagen type IV, laminin, and fibronectin; (3) widening of disse's spaces containing numerous, discontinuous, and thick fragments of basement membrane-like material piled up beneath endothelial cells and around perisinusoidal cells; (4) transformation of perisinusoidal cells into cells with the characteristics of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts; (5) decreased numbers of fenestrae for endothelial cells with processes often overlapping and attached with tight junctions; and (6) rarefaction of Kupffer's cells. Expression of cellular and extracellular material abnormalities are related to the tumor differentiation. The study of these abnormalities may have implications in prognosis.