HEPATIC CYTOMEMBRANOUS INCLUSIONS IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE-C CHRONIC HEPATITIS

Electron microscopic studies of the liver biopsy specimens from two pa tients with chronic type C hepatitis revealed cytomembranous structure s. Cylindrical confronting cisternae were identified for the first tim e in the cytoplasm of macrophages in the specimen which was taken duri ng alpha-interferon therapy. Tubuloreticular inclusions were observed in both patients with and without therapy, Although the cytomembranous inclusions are not specific for hepatitis C patients, cylindrical con fronting cisternae may be a host response to both large doses of cu-in terferon and HCV infection.