Expression of cytokeratins 8 and 18 on Mallory body and oval cell in rats during hepatic fibrosis.

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the induction and distribution of Mallory body (MB) and oval cells in carbon-tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced rat liver fibrosis.

Materials And Methods: MBs and oval cells expressing cytokeratins (CKs) 8 and 18 were monitored by immuno-histochemistry and immunoblotting.

Results: MBs were mainly detected within hepatocytes near the fibrotic areas, and oval cells were located along or in the fibrotic areas.