Expression and cellular localization of fibrillin-1 in normal and pathological human liver

Citation
L. Dubuisson et al., Expression and cellular localization of fibrillin-1 in normal and pathological human liver, J HEPATOL, 34(4), 2001, pp. 514-522
Citations number
34
Categorie Soggetti
Gastroenerology and Hepatology","da verificare
Journal title
JOURNAL OF HEPATOLOGY
ISSN journal
01688278 → ACNP
Volume
34
Issue
4
Year of publication
2001
Pages
514 - 522
Database
ISI
SICI code
0168-8278(200104)34:4<514:EACLOF>2.0.ZU;2-2
Abstract
Background: The expression and the distribution of fibrillin-1 and elastin were studied in normal and pathological human liver samples. Methods: As controls, histologically normal/subnormal liver samples (n = 24 ) were used. Pathological samples corresponded to seven cirrhosis and eight hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) developed on cirrhotic (four) or non-cirrh otic (four) liver. Results: In normal liver, fibrillin-1 and elastin co-localized in vessel wa lls and portal tract connective tissue. Fibrillin-1 alone was detected alon g sinusoids and in portal spaces at the interface with the limiting hepatoc ytic plates and close to the basement membrane of bile ducts. By transmissi on electron microscopy, typical bundles of microfibrils were detected both in Disse space and in portal zones, Cirrhotic nodules were usually rich in fibrillin-1 along sinusoids; fibrillin-1 and elastin were co-localized in f ibrotic septa surrounding nodules. In HCC, fibrillin-1 was present between tumoral hepatocytes; stromal reaction around the tumors contained both fibr illin-1 and elastin. Conclusions: Fibrillin-1 was associated with elastin in portal mesenchyme a nd vessel walls of normal liver, in fibrotic septa around cirrhotic nodules and stromal reaction around HCC, but was expressed alone in the perisinuso idal space. The functional roles for fibrillin-1 in non-elastic tissues, su ch as the liver, remain to be elucidated. (C) 2001 European Association for the Study of the Liver. Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights rese rved.