Ultrastructure of Hyaline Cytoplasmic Inclusions in a Human Hepatoma: Relationship to Mallory's Alcoholic Hyalin

Abstract

Electron microscopic study of hepatoma tissue from a patient with mildly active alcohol-associated cirrhosis has demonstrated the ultrastructural nature of the two forms of hepatoma hyaline inclusions described by Norkin and Campagna-Pinto (Cytoplasmic hyaline inclusions in hepatoma. Arch Pathol 86:25-32, 1968). The reticular form of hepatoma hyalin is identical to alcoholic hyalin of Mallory. The globular deposits of hepatoma hyalin have a fibrillar internal structure also indistinguishable from that of the classical alcoholic hyalin of Mallory, except for closer packing of fibrils. Physical continuity of globular and reticular forms of hepatoma hyalin and a close association of globular hyalin with microbodies is demonstrated.