Hepatocellular neoplasms induced by low-number pancreatic islet transplants in streptozotocin diabetic rats.

We have previously demonstrated in short-term experiments that altered hepatocytes in liver acini draining the blood from intraportally transplanted pancreatic islets in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats with mild persisting diabetes resemble those in preneoplastic foci of altered hepatocytes. We now present the results of long-term studies (up to 22 months) in this animal model. Glycogen-storing foci (which were the first parenchymal alteration observed some days after transplantation) persisted at least for 6 months, when the first mixed-cell foci and the first hepatocellular adenoma emerged. After 15 to 22 months, 86% of the animals exhibited at least one hepatocellular adenoma and four animals (19%) showed a hepatocellular carcinoma. The transplants were found in a close spatial relationship with the preneoplastic foci and the hepatocellular neoplasms. The mitotic indices, the 5-bromo-2'-desoxyuridine labeling indices and the apoptotic indices showed significant differences between the unaltered liver parenchyma, different types of preneoplastic foci, and hepatocellular neoplasms. The immunohistochemical expression of transforming growth factor-alpha increased during the stepwise development from glycogen-storing liver acini to hepatocellular carcinomas. Hepatocarcinogenesis in this new animal model is probably due to the hormonal and growth-stimulating effects of insulin secreted by the intraportally transplanted islets of Langerhans in diabetic rats.     

Analysis of the IGF axis in preneoplastic hepatic foci and hepatocellular neoplasms developing after low-number pancreatic islet transplantation into the livers of streptozotocin diabetic rats

Preneoplastic hepatic foci have been demonstrated in liver acini, which drain the blood from intraportally transplanted pancreatic islets in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats with mild persisting diabetes. In long-term studies of this animal model, hepatocellular adenomas and carcinomas (HCC) developed after a sequence of characteristic preneoplastic hepatic foci. In this experimental model, the local hyperinsulinism is thought to have a causative role. Because insulin and the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) axis are closely linked, an altered gene expression of the IGF axis components is likely. Therefore, preneoplastic hepatic foci and HCC were studied for the expression of IGF axis components. Glycogen-storing "early" preneoplastic hepatic foci were detectable several days after pancreatic islet transplantation. Northern blot analysis, in-situ hybridization, and immunohistochemical studies of these "early" lesions demonstrated increased expressions of IGF-I and IGF binding protein-4 (IGFBP-4) in altered parenchymal cells, and a decreased expression of IGFBP-1. IGF-II was not detected in these preneoplastic foci. HCC arising in this model had decreased expressions of IGF-I and IGFBP-4 but IGFBP-1 expression was not significantly altered. Some HCC showed a more than 100-fold overexpression of IGF-II, whereas other tumors were completely negative for IGF-II expression. Low IGF-I receptor expression was detected in preneoplastic foci and adjacent nonaltered liver tissue. However, HCC tissue consistently showed an increased IGF-I receptor expression, rendering these tissues susceptible to the mitogenic effects of IGF. The altered gene expression in glycogen-storing preneoplastic hepatic foci, especially the up-regulation of IGF-I and IGFBP-4 with the down-regulation of IGFBP-1, resemble the insulin-dependent regulation of these components in normal rat hepatocytes. These data agree with previous studies demonstrating a correspondence of the focal character, morphology, and enzyme pattern of preneoplastic hepatic foci with insulin effects on hepatocytes. The development from preneoplastic foci to HCC may be driven by insulin itself and/or an altered IGF axis component or yet unidentified factors.     

Effect of islet transplantation on the glomerular changes in streptozotocin-diabetic rats

Summary Glomerular changes develop in rats with streptozotocin diabetes. The structure of these lesions (nodular and diffuse glomerulosclerosis, mesangial cell proliferation, basement membrane thickening, glomerular aneurysms, fibrinoid caps, glomerular adhesions) is described in the present paper and the effect of normalization of metabolism by islet transplantation on the glomerular changes is studied with histological, immunohistological and morphometric methods.Isogenous islets were transplanted into the portal vein of streptozotocin-diabetic rats after diabetes of 7 months' duration. The kidneys of normal, diabetic and transplanted animals of the same age were studied 2.5 months later. Studies of the kinetics of immunocomplexes in the mesangium were also performed.The renal changes (glomerulosclerosis, mesangial cell proliferation) were largely reversible after islet transplantation and the blood glucose level and glucose tolerance were normalized. In the diabetic animals the delayed uptake and elimination of immunocomplexes in the mesangium was normalized after the transplantation.It is possible, that the cause of the lesions is a functional disturbance of the mesangium induced by insulin deficiency and/or hyperglycaemia.This study was supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (We 468/9)     

Cystic cholangiomas after transplantation of pancreatic islets into the livers of diabetic rats

Islet transplantation is increasingly used as a therapy for human type 1 diabetes mellitus. In our study, we investigated the effect of the transplantation of a low number (n=350) of pancreatic islets into the right liver part on the neighboring portal bile ducts. Male streptozotocin- diabetic Lewis or autoimmune-diabetic BB/Pfd rats (n=1065) were subdivided into 11 experimental groups. A few days after low-number islet transplantation, cholangiocytes adjacent to the grafts showed an increase in proliferative activity. During the next 12–24 months, many peri-insular ductules progressed via tumor-like cystic lesions to large cystic cholangiomas, accompanied by a translocation of the insulin receptor into the cytoplasm and an increase in expression of insulin-related signaling proteins (Insulin-receptor-substrate-1, Raf-1, Mek-1). After 24 months, 53% of rats with low-number transplantation exhibited at least one cholangioma >10 mm, significantly outnumbering tumor development in the transplant-free left liver part and in any control group. No cholangiocarcinomas emerged. A graft cell origin of the tumors was excluded by Y chromosome in situ hybridization in cross-gender transplantations. Conclusively, low-number intrahepatic islet transplantation, most likely acting by permanent local hyperinsulinism, leads to prolonged cholangiocellular proliferation in streptozotocin- and in autoimmune-diabetic rats, resulting in the development of benign cystic cholangiomas.     

Altered liver acini induced in diabetic rats by portal vein islet isografts resemble preneoplastic hepatic foci in their enzymic pattern.

As demonstrated previously, liver acini draining the blood from intraportally transplanted pancreatic islets in streptozotocin-diabetic rats are altered in various respects. The hepatocytes in these acini store glycogen and/or fat, and they show an increase in proliferation as well as in apoptotic activity. Thus, they are phenotypically similar to carcinogen-induced preneoplastic liver foci (glycogen-storing foci and sometimes also mixed cell foci). By means of catalytic enzyme histochemistry or immunohistochemistry, we investigated the activity of key enzymes of alternative pathways of carbohydrate metabolism and some additional marker enzymes (well known from studies on preneoplastic hepatic foci) in the altered liver acini surrounding the islet isografts. In addition, the expression of glucose transporter proteins 1 and 2 (GLUT-1 and GLUT-2) were investigated immunohistochemically. The activities of hexokinase, pyruvate kinase, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase were increased, whereas the activities of glycogen phosphorylase, adenylate cyclase, glucose-6-phosphatase, and membrane-bound adenosine triphosphatase were decreased in the altered liver acini. The expression of GLUT-2 was also decreased. GLUT-1 and glutathione S-transferase placental form were not expressed, and the activities of glycogen synthase and gamma-glutamyl-transferase remained unchanged. All changes of the enzyme activities were in line with the well known effects of insulin and resembled alterations characteristic of preneoplastic liver foci observed in different models of hepatocarcinogenesis. It remains to be clarified in long-term experiments whether or not these foci represent preneoplastic lesions and may proceed to neoplasia.     

长期高脂喂养大鼠胰岛功能改变与胰岛炎症反应有关

目的： 观察长期高脂喂养诱导的胰岛素抵抗大鼠胰岛炎症反应水平,并探讨其与胰岛功能改变的关联及机制。方法: 8周龄的Wistar大鼠随机分为正常对照组（NC,n=15）和高脂组（HF,n=15）,分别给予普通饲料及高脂饲料喂养。24周后行高胰岛素正葡萄糖钳夹试验检测胰岛素敏感性,行静脉葡萄糖耐量试验(IVGTT)检测β细胞功能,以免疫组化法检测胰岛β细胞内胰岛素相对含量（IRC）以及胰岛内NF-κB与caspase-3的相对浓度,以TUNEL法检测胰岛内细胞凋亡水平,以RT-PCR法检测胰岛内胰岛素原(INS)及白细胞介素（IL）-1β mRNA的相对表达量。结果: HF组葡萄糖输注率（GIR）较NC组显著降低［(5.32±0.90) mg·kg-1·min-1 vs (7.80±0.51) mg·kg-1·min-1,P<0.01］;NC组葡萄糖负荷后胰岛素分泌高峰出现于第5 min,而HF组延迟至第10 min,且10-60 min胰岛素曲线下面积（AUCI）较NC组增加了67.7％（P<0.01）。免疫组化显示,HF组IRC较NC组减少了25.6%,NF-κB、 caspase-3相对含量及单位面积胰岛凋亡细胞数分别增加20.5％、19.1%及2.43倍(均P<0.01)。HF组胰岛IL-1β mRNA相对表达量较NC组增加了1.95倍(P<0.01),INS mRNA 表达水平增加了12.0％（P<0.05）。结论: 长期高脂喂养诱导的胰岛素抵抗大鼠胰岛存在炎症反应,可能通过NF-κB及其介导的凋亡信号通路,与早期胰岛结构及功能损害有关。     

Characterization of pancreatic islet cell tumors and renal tumors induced by a combined treatment of streptozotocin and nicotinamide in male SD rats

We herein investigated the histopathological features, including proliferative activity and immunoexpression, of pancreatic islet cell tumors (ICTs) in male SD rats induced by streptozotocin (STZ) and nicotinamide (NA), and discussed their relevance to biological behaviors and prognoses. A total of 70 and 43% of rats developed ICTs 37–45 weeks after the treatment with STZ (50 or 75 mg/kg, i.v.) and NA (350 mg/kg, twice, p.o.), respectively. Among the islet tumors observed in the STZ/NA-treated groups, 75% were adenomas, while 25% were carcinomas. Most STZ/NA-induced carcinomas were characterized by well-differentiated tumor cells with/without local invasion into the surrounding tissues, and weak proliferative activity. No outcome such as distance metastasis and death was noted. All of the ICTs strongly expressed insulin, part of which had hormone productivity; however there were no hypoglycemia-related clinical signs such as convulsion in these rats 36 weeks after the treatment. These results suggested that rat ICTs induced STZ/NA have small impact on biological activity or prognosis. STZ/NA treatment significantly increased of focal proliferative lesions in the kidney, liver and adrenal glands other than pancreatic islets. Of the STZ/NA-induced kidney tumors, more than 60% were renal cell adenomas, and many of them were basophilic type. The incidence of eosinophilic or clear cell type of tumors was less than 10%, respectively. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed that many of the STZ/NA-induced basophilic type of renal tumors were derived from proximal tubules, whereas the clear cell and eosinophilic types were derived from collecting tubules.     

Host-graft circulation and vascular morphology in pancreatic tissue transplants in rats

One of the most determining factors for the survival of tissue grafts is an intact vasculature. This vasculature must, however, be linked to the circulation of the host animals for survival and growth to occur. The mechanism(s) of revascularization of pancreatic tissue grafts is still unclear and more so the process by which the host blood vessels anastomose with those of the graft. The microvasculature and revascularization of neonatal pancreatic tissue fragments transplanted into the anterior eye chamber of rats were investigated using conventional light and electron microscopy as well as the india ink perfusion method. Light microscopy demonstrated that the blood vessels of the host iris revascularized the transplants within 24 h of transplantation. Sinusoidal blood capillaries were observed to invade the peripheral parts of the grafts. The capillary encroachment from the iris into the graft continued through the second day of transplantation. The host-graft anastomosis developed completely and became prominent and conspicuous after the third day of transplantation. Many capillaries were observed to encroach into the graft from the iris. The vasculature of the graft was increased in comparison with that of normal pancreatic tissue. This increase was prominent especially around pancreatic islet and ductal cells which survived after transplantation. Blood cells observed in these vessels of the graft indicated a functional state. The ultrastructure of the intrinsic blood vessels of the graft was intact and showed the peculiar fenestrations normally seen in the blood vessels of endocrine tissues. These observations indicated that pancreatic tissue fragments transplanted into the anterior eye chamber of rats were revascularized within 24 h. The revascularization was completed at the end of the third day of transplantation when definitive blood vessels linked the circulation of the graft with that of the iris. Anat. Rec. 251:448–459, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Cross talk between the extracellular matrix and the immune system in the context of endocrine pancreatic islet transplantation. A review article

This review aims to highlight the importance of the bidirectional influence of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and immune cells in the context of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and endocrine pancreatic islet transplantation. We introduced the main classes of molecules and proteins constituting the ECM as well as cells and cytokines of the immune system with the aim to further examine their roles in T1DM and islet transplantation. Integrins expressed by immune cells and their functions are detailed. Finally, this article reviews the roles of the ECM and the immune system in islet transplantation as well as ECM-related cytokines and their influence on the ECM and immune cells.     

大黄素对肝纤维化大鼠肺损伤的保护作用

 目的:探讨不同剂量大黄素对肝纤维化大鼠肺损伤的保护作用。方法:采用复合致病因素法（CCl 4、乙醇、高脂、高胆固醇和低胆碱）建立肝纤维化大鼠模型并以不同剂量（20 mg/kg和40 mg/kg）大黄素进行治疗。4周后,测定肝指数,检测血清内毒素、同型半胱氨酸、反映肝功能的指标白蛋白、天门冬氨酸氨基转移酶、丙氨酸氨基转移酶、总胆红素、总胆固醇、甘油三酯和肝纤维化指标透明质酸、层黏连蛋白、Ⅳ型胶原蛋白、Ⅲ型前胶原蛋白的含量,观察肝组织病理学改变; 测定肺指数,光镜下行肺组织病理学观察,检测肺组织匀浆肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)、丙二醛(MDA)、一氧化氮(NO)和过氧亚硝基阴离子(ONOO-)含量。结果:大鼠肝纤维化模型复制成功,模型组大鼠肺指数明显增加,肺脏发生水肿、炎症反应,肺匀浆TNF-α、MDA、NO和ONOO-含量明显增加;大黄素治疗组肺指数较模型组下降,肺组织病理性损伤明显减轻,肺组织TNF-α、MDA、NO和ONOO-含量明显降低。结论:大黄素对肝纤维化大鼠的肺损伤具有一定的保护作用。     

Creatine kinase isoenzymes: Biochemical findings after therapeutical embolization of the hepatic artery in two patients with liver metastasis of an islet cell carcinoma or a carcinoid tumor

Summary An atypical creatine kinase (CK) isoenzyme migrating cathodically to CK-MM in the electrophoresis was observed as response to the embolization of the right hepatic artery in two patients with liver metastasis. The time course of the atypical CK release was compared to that of tumor secretion products, i.e., insulin and 5-hydroxy-indol-acetic acid. The CK isoenzyme probably reflects a mitochondrial breakdown of the metastasis in question. The influence of the treatment on liver function was characterized by a marginal augmentation of ASAT and ALAT and by a small but significant leakage of mitochondrial glutamate dehydrogenase. In addition to the atypical CK, CK-BB, and CK-MB isoenzymes were found in the serum of the patient with primary carcinoid carcinoma.Abbreviations CK Creatine kinase - ATP creatine-phosphotransferase - EC 2.7.3.2., CK-MM, CK-MB, CK-BB, CK-MiMi striated muscle type, heart type, brain type, mitochondrial type creatine kinase isoenzymes     

大鼠肝脏缺血再灌注损伤后水通道蛋白4表达的变化

目的: 通过建立大鼠肝脏缺血再灌注损伤(IRI)模型,观察水通道蛋白 4(AQP4)在肝内胆管细胞的表达变化,并同时检测肝脏功能变化,探讨肝脏IRI 与AQP4表达变化的关系。方法: 建立大鼠肝脏30 min IRI模型。随机将配对动物分为对照和缺血再灌注2 h、1 d、3 d、7 d组,留取血清标本行间接胆红素(IB)、直接胆红素(DB)及丙氨酸氨基转移酶(ALT)指标检测;留取肝脏标本用于HE染色光镜下观察肝脏病理形态学变化、免疫组化染色观察AQP4表达变化, RT-PCR 方法测定 AQP4 mRNA表达变化。结果: (1)肝功能变化:缺血再灌注损伤2 h、1 d、3 d组IB、DB及ALT明显升高,与对照组间比较有显著差异(P<0.05),并于术后第1 d达到最高(P<0.05);以后逐渐降低,术后第7 d恢复正常。(2) 肝脏病理学变化:术后HE染色可见缺血再灌注可造成大鼠肝组织变性、坏死。(3) 免疫组织化学检测肝脏AQP4的变化:缺血再灌注损伤2 h、1 d、3 d组AQP4的表达量较对照组降低(P<0.05),于术后第1 d最低(P<0.05),以后逐渐增高,于术后第7 d恢复正常。(4) 肝脏AQP4 mRNA表达变化:缺血再灌注损伤组2 h、1 d、3 d组AQP4 mRNA表达水平较对照组明显降低(P<0.05),于术后第1 d最低,以后又逐渐升高,于术后第7 d恢复正常。结论: 大鼠肝脏缺血再灌注损伤后可明显引起肝内胆管上皮细胞AQP4的表达降低,术后第1 d最明显,至术后7 d逐渐恢复正常,此种损害与包括胆红素在内的肝功能损害相对应。     

Relationship between down-regulation of HIC1 and PTEN genes and dysfunction of pancreatic islet cells in diabetic rats

The aim of the study was to investigate the protein expression of hypermethylated in cancer 1 (HIC1 ) and phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN) genes and to study their mRNA expressions in normal and diabetic pancreatic islet cells in rats in order to try and identify the functions of these genes in the development and advancement of diabetes. We further aimed to analyze the expression of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), which is regulated by PTEN and to investigate the possible mechanism of PTEN affecting the function of diabetic islet cells. The expressions of HIC1, PTEN and mTOR genes were examined in the pancreatic islets of 20 normal male Wistar rats and 47 diabetic male Wistar rats by immunohistochemistry, Western blot, RT-PCR and real-time RT-PCR. Results showed that expressions of HIC1 and PTEN in protein and mRNA levels were lower in pancreatic islets of diabetic rats than in normal rats. Expressions of mTOR in protein and mRNA levels were higher in pancreatic islets of diabetic rats than in the normal rats. Marked apoptosis of pancreatic islet cells was observed in 29 cases (29/47, 61.7%) in diabetic rats, but not in the remaining 18 (18/47, 38.3%) diabetic rats. The down-regulation of HIC1 and PTEN and up-regulation of mTOR in protein and mRNA level are positively correlated with functional impairment of islet cells in diabetic rats. From this study we conclude that HIC1, PTEN and mTOR cannot be recognized as the key influencing factors promoting pancreatic islet cells apoptosis of diabetic rats; however, lower expressions of HIC1 and PTEN and higher expression of mTOR may affect the function of the pancreatic islet cells in diabetic rats.     

NO在脂多糖诱发的肝硬化大鼠肝性脑病中的作用

目的:探讨一氧化氮(NO)在LPS诱发的肝硬化大鼠肝性脑病中所起的作用。方法:采用复合因素复制肝硬化大鼠模型,于实验8周末开始分别用09%盐水、L-精氨酸(L-arg)和N-亚硝基L-精氨酸(LNNA)给大鼠灌胃2周。在处死大鼠前4h,腹腔内一次性注射LPS3mg/kg,以诱发大鼠肝性脑病。结果:L-arg组大鼠活动灵活且脑电图基本正常,LNNA组出现肝性脑病。L-arg组脑组织NO₂^-/NO₃^-含量明显高于LNNA组(P<0.05),脑组织组胺含量明显低于LNNA组(P<0.05)。脑组织中组胺含量与脑组织中NO₂^-/NO₃^-含量呈负相关。结论:NO能抑制LPS诱发肝硬化大鼠肝性脑病的发生。     

Effect of cholinergic denervation on hepatic fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride in rats

Various factors involved in the development of liver fibrosis, including hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), cholinergic nervous activity and fibrogenetic cytokines. The present study aims to investigate the role of cholinergic regulation in the promoting of liver fibrogenesis relating to bone morphogenetic protein-6 (BMP-6) and/or transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGFbeta1). We treated carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) into rats for eight weeks to induce liver fibrosis and arranged these rats for cholinergic denervation, hepatic branch vagotomy or atropine administration. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) staining showed the distribution of cholinergic nerve around fibrosis scaring septa. The immunohistochemical staining for alpha smooth muscle actin (alphaSMA) indicated the less HSCs in CCl(4) treated rat liver with cholinergic denervation as compared to the sham-operated CCl(4) treated rats. It seems that cholinergic nerve not only innervates around the fibrosis area but also promotes HSCs. We also detected TGFbeta1 and BMP-6 expressions using RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. The obtained results show that cholinergic denerveration decreases BMP-6 and TGF-beta1 expressions in CCl(4) induced liver fibrosis of rats. In conclusion, cholinergic nerve may influence HSCs in addition to the lowering of BMP-6 and TGF-beta1 gene expressions to modify liver fibrosis.     

槲皮素对四氯化碳诱导的大鼠肝纤维化抑制作用和肝保护作用

目的:探讨槲皮素对四氯化碳(CCl4)诱导大鼠肝纤维化的保护作用,并阐明槲皮素的抗肝纤维化机制.方法:Wistar大鼠随机分为5组:对照组、模型组、低剂量组(EXP-L)、中剂量组(EXP-M)、高剂量组(EXP-H).HE染色检测肝组织病理损伤情况;试剂盒检测谷丙转氨酶(ALT)和谷草转氨酶(AST)活力;羟脯氨酸(...     

Removal of intra-abdominal visceral adipose tissue improves glucose tolerance in rats: role of hepatic triglyceride storage

Epidemiological studies have demonstrated a strong link between increased visceral fat and metabolic syndrome. In rodents, removal of intra-abdominal but non-visceral fat improves insulin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis, though previous studies make an imprecise comparison to human physiology because actual visceral fat was not removed. We hypothesize that nutrient release from visceral adipose tissue may have greater consequences on metabolic regulation than nutrient release from non-visceral adipose depots since the latter drains into systemic but not portal circulation. To assess this we surgically decreased visceral white adipose tissue (~ 0.5 g VWATx) and compared the effects to removal of non-visceral epididymal fat (~ 4 g; EWATx), combination removal of visceral and non-visceral fat (~ 4.5 g; EWATx/VWATx) and sham-operated controls, in chow-fed rats. At 8 weeks after surgery, only the groups with visceral fat removed had a significantly improved glucose tolerance, although 8 times more fat was removed in EWATx compared with VWATx. This suggests that mechanisms controlling glucose metabolism are relatively more sensitive to reductions in visceral adipose tissue mass. Groups with visceral fat removed also had significantly decreased hepatic lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and triglyceride content compared with controls, while carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT-1A) was decreased in all fat-removal groups. In a preliminary experiment, we assessed the opposite hypothesis; i.e., we transplanted excess visceral fat from a donor rat to the visceral cavity (omentum and mesentery), which drains into the hepatic portal vein, of a recipient rat but observed no major metabolic effect. Overall, our results indicate surgical removal of intra-abdominal fat improves glucose tolerance through mechanism that may be mediated by reductions in liver triglyceride.     

四氯化碳诱导肝纤维化早期大鼠肝窦内皮细胞及基底膜形态改变的动态研究

 目的：探讨四氯化碳诱导肝纤维化早期大鼠肝窦毛细血管化的形成过程。方法：清洁级雄性SD大鼠采用随机数字表法随机分为2组：正常对照组（N组,6只）和肝纤维化模型组（M组,32只）。M组大鼠腹腔注射50%四氯化碳蓖麻油混合液, N组大鼠腹腔注射生理盐水,剂量为2 mL/kg,每周2次,共4周。分别于造模第3天、1周、2周和4周处死大鼠,HE染色和Masson染色观察肝脏组织炎症及纤维化的改变,透射电镜观察肝窦内皮细胞（LSECs）窗孔与基底膜（BM）的改变,免疫组织化学检测LSECs表面标志物CD31及基底膜成分IV型胶原（Col IV）和层黏连蛋白（LN）的改变。结果：HE及Masson染色显示四氯化碳造模4周早期肝纤维化已形成。肝组织透射电镜显示四氯化碳造模第3天后开始出现LSECs窗孔直径变小及数目减少,随着造模时间的延长,LSECs失窗孔现象逐步严重,至第4周时局部内皮下可见连续的基底膜。免疫组化染色显示LSECs表面标志物CD31表达随着LSECs窗孔数目的减少而逐渐增强;基底膜成分Col IV于造模第2周时表达开始显著增强并随着造模时间延长表达逐渐增强,LN于造模第4周时表达开始显著增强。结论：肝纤维化早期大鼠局部肝组织可见典型的肝窦毛细血管化形成;肝窦壁内LN沉积是肝窦毛细血管化时形成连续基底膜的关键因素。