Hepatic oval cells in rat: immunohistochemistry localization and ultrastructure / 解放军医学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the location and ultrastructure of hepatic stem cells in adult rat. Methods Proliferation of hepatic oval cell of the rat was accomplished. Identification was made with immunohistochemistry with CK18, 19 and CD34 as markers. Ultrastructure of hepatic stem cells was observed with transmission electron microscope. Results The majority of hepatic oval cells were localized in the Hering channel, but some of them were distributed in the hepatic lobules. Electron microscopy revealed three types of oval cells. TypeⅠ cell was small, 7?m in size, with large nucleus but small amounts of cytoplasm and organelles. The cell was recognized as primitive oval cell. Type Ⅱ cell was larger, measuring 8?m in diameter, containing more cytoplasm and organelles. Type Ⅲ cells were larger than both of above cells, and they contained more organelles. Conclusion Hepatic oval cells in adult rat are localized in Hering channel, and they may be stem cells hepatocytes.