Viral particles in the hepatocytes of Rana esculenta (L).

The hepatocytes of Rana esculenta exhibit hexagonal, probably icosahedral, viral particles disseminated in the cytoplasm among cellular organelles (mitochondria, cisternae of the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi complex). The particles consist of an electron-dense core (nucleoid) and a less electron-dense envelope (capsid). Empty capsids (without nucleoid) or semilunar capsid fragments can be sometimes observed. The virus seems to be a cytoplasmic one, as it has not been found in the nucleus of hepatocytes.