HISTOCHEMICAL AND SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPIC STUDIES OF GALLSTONE FORMATION AND HOW IT IS AFFECTED BY GALLBLADDER MUCOSA

Abstract

In order to clarify the effect of gallbladder mucosa upon gallstone formation, gallstones were experimentally induced in Syrian golden hamsters. Stones were formed by the crystallization of cholesterol and the combining and further growth of these crystals. Gallbladder mucosal tissue samples were taken at regular intervals and prepared for light and scanning electron microscope study. PAS, alcian blue positive substances (i.e. mucus) were found on the surface of the epithelial cells before crystallization and increased markedly at the onset of crystallization and stone formation. Corresponding with this histochemical change, scanning electron microscopy showed a series of degenerative changes in the epithelial cells; beginning with isolated cells of varying sizes and the enlargement and adhesion of microvilli to each other, progressing to indentation of the cellular surface and coagulation of mucus and ending in hyaline-like degenration. The increased secretion of mucus and the changes in the gallbladder surface seem to suggest that gallbladder mucosa offers a preferred site for the crystallization of cholesterol and the combining and growth of these crystals.