Dynamic changes of liver sinusoid in BALB/c mice infected with Schistosoma japonicum / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To observe the change of liver sinusoid in BALB/c mice infected with Schistosoma japonicum and explore its relationship between the degree of hepatic fibrosis and liver function. Methods A model was established in BALB/c mice infected with cercariae of Schistosoma japonicum. The liver specimens of mice were used for pathological examination with routine and picric acid-sirius red staining to know the degree of hepatic fibrosis by semi-quantity. The expressions of C-IV and vWF in liver sinusoid were assayed through the immuhistochemistry staining. The serum ALT and AST were detected by the automatic biochemistry analyzer, and the ultramicrostructure of the liver tissue was observed by a transmission electron microscope. Results The number and diameter of fenestrations in SEC reduced 4 weeks after the infection. The fenestrations were disappeared and the base membrane established 8 weeks after the infection. The expressions of C-IV and vWF in liver sinusoid and the degree of hepatic fibrosis increased with the time after infection. The levels of serum ALT and AST were not correlated with the infection time. Conclusions The phenotype alteration of the hepatic sinusoidal endothelium may be a vital issue triggering the liver fibrosis induced by Schistosoma japoncium.