Experimental induction of Symmers' fibrosis in mice
Dias, R.P.; Alvarenga, R.J.
Revista do Instituto de Medicina Tropical de Sao Paulo 15(2): 60-65
1973
ISSN/ISBN: 0036-4665 PMID: 4726424 Document Number: 69960
Symmer's fibrosis was induced in mice, through infestation with small numbers of Schistosoma mansoni cercariae. Serial histological sections of the livers showed that periportal fibrosis, portal hepatitis and septal fibrosis are secondary to a granulomatous endophlebitis involving the portal tree from its main branch down to the admission venules. Eggs were never found in extra-vescular positions. In opposition to the theories suggesting an increase in volume of the portal tree in such a condition, the hypothesis that schistosomal hepatic disease is of an obstructive nature explains better the portal hypertension which frequently follows it [AS].