Histological Changes in the Human Gallbladder Epithelium associated with Gallstones

Abstract

Objectives: Pathological changes related to gallstone formation are still the focus of intensive research. The hypothesis most widely accepted is the stasis of bile caused by gallbladder dyskinesia, while dyskinesia may be the result of pathologic changes in the gallbladder wall. The aim of this study is to investigate the relation between gallstones and light as well as electron microscopic changes in the gallbladder epithelium. Methods: Gallbladder specimens were collected from patients who underwent cholectstectomy. Paraffin sections were stained with haematoxylin and eosin to demonstrate the general histology. Periodic acid-Schiff and alcian blue were utilized to evaluate the intraepithelial mucin content. Minute specimens were also fixed and processed to evaluate the fine structures of the gall bladder epithelium. Results: PAS positive materials were increased in the basement membrane. Additionally, an increase in the intensity of alcian blue reaction was observed. At the ultrastructural level, abraded and altered microvilli accompanied by mitochondrial damages,