ULTRASTRUCTURE OF HEPATOCYTE ABNORMALITIES IN PERIMETASTATIC AREAS

The ultrastructural pathology of non-invaded hepatocytes located in cl ose proximity to metastases from diverse gastrointestinal carcinomas w as studied. Observed abnormalities included swelling of rough and smoo th endoplasmic reticulum, proliferation of lysosomes, and mitochondria l alterations as presence of granules and paracrystalline inclusions, marked pleomorphism, and lack of cristae. These results show that, con trary to the classical conception, the non-invaded cells surrounding p rimary tumours or their metastases could be abnormal.