Abstract
To clarify the roles of tissue mast cells in liver diseases, the number of mast cells per mm3 of whole liver, relative volume of stroma and mast cells per mm3 of stroma were determined on liver biopsy specimens.
In fully developed stage of acute hepatitis, the number of mast cells in stroma was fewer than that of in control group, but increased in recovery stage of acute hepatitis. In chronic hepatitis, mast cell number increased, especially, in chronic active hepatitis (CAH), it was more than that of in liver cirrhosis.
Relative volume of stroma was the largest in cirrhosis.
Histopathologically, increased number of mast cells was correlated with changes of stroma, such as fibrosis of the Glisson's sheaths, destruction of limiting plates and cell infiltration of the portal tracts.
Cases of CAH, who had clinical course of from 12 to 24 months' duration, showed many mast cells. In cases of CAH, it seemed to be important to consider the number of mast cells and the term from onset of hepatitis, from the prognostical point of view.
