Neoangiogenesis and sinusoidal "capillarization" in dysplastic nodules of the liver.

The blood supply of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is primarily arterial. Recent studies reported differences of vascular, especially arterial, supply among low- and high-grade dysplastic nodules and HCC. We assessed arterialization using monoclonal antibody specific for smooth muscle actin as well as simultaneous changes in sinusoidal capillarization in cirrhotic nodules, dysplastic nodules, and HCC.

Hepatic stellate cell activation in dysplastic nodules: evidence for an alternate hypothesis concerning human hepatocarcinogenesis.

We have previously suggested that dysplastic nodules (also referred to as "adenomatous hyperplasia" or "macroregenerative nodules"), likely precursors of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), develop as an infiltrating clonal expansion, in advance of or parallel to cirrhosis. As part of this hypothesis, to explain aspects of their gross and microscopic appearance, we suggested that dysplastic nodules are resistant to the scarring process affecting the rest of the liver. We sought to test this hypothesis by examining the distribution of activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), the hallmark of hepatic scarring, in cirrhotic nodules, dysplastic nodules and HCC.

Use of livers with microvesicular fat safely expands the donor pool.

Background: The safety of transplanting livers with moderate to severe microvesicular steatosis is unknown. Livers that appear fatty are often abandoned at the donor hospital. We have recently used frozen-section biopsy to distinguish between microvesicular and macrovesicular steatosis.

Effects of octreotide on healing of intestinal anastomosis following small bowel obstruction in rats.

Purpose: Octreotide is an analog of somatostatin, with the same biologic effects but a longer half-life than somatostatin. The purpose of this experimental study was to search the effects of octreotide on the healing of bowel anastomosis and to observe the anatomic and physiologic changes in the obstructed bowel.

Methods: Two groups of ten male Wistar albino rats (average weight, 250 grams) were used in this study.