Ultrastructural hepatocellular features associated with severe hepatic lipidosis in cats
Center, S.A.; Guida, L.; Zanelli, M.J.; Dougherty, E.; Cummings, J.; King, J.
American Journal of Veterinary Research 54(5): 724-731
1993
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-9645 PMID: 8317764 Document Number: 410217
In this study, we compared hepatic ultrastructure in healthy cats, in cats with severe hepatic lipidosis, and in cats with experimentally induced, chronic, extrahepatic bile duct occlusion. Ultrastructural features unique to the lipidosis syndrome included an apparent reduction in number of peroxisomes and alteration in their morphologic features. The quantity of endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi complexes, and lysosomes was subjectively reduced, and paucity of cytosolic glycogen was observed. Bile canaliculi appeared collapsed because of cytosolic distention with lipid. Mitochondria were reduced in number and were markedly pleomorphic. Cristae assumed a variety of shapes, lengths, and orientations. Ultrastructural features of bile duct occlusion were similar to those described in other species and differed from those in cats with hepatic lipidosis.