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Immunohistochemical Localization of Collagen Types I, III and IV in Fibrotic Livers of Elderly Cadavers
Author(s) -
Mak Ki Mark,
Chu Edward
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.26.1_supplement.727.4
Subject(s) - pathology , sirius red , immunohistochemistry , staining , fibrosis , stain , basement membrane , parenchyma , hepatic stellate cell , perisinusoidal space , biology , anatomy , medicine , hepatocyte , biochemistry , in vitro
Elderly cadavers with diverse causes of death demonstrated a high prevalence of liver fibrosis, as assessed by Sirius red stain (Mak and Hoo, FASEB J 2011 25: 870.2). The staining, however, did not reveal the chemical types of collagen (Col). Therefore, this study examined localization of Col I, III and IV (the principal Col produced in liver fibrosis) in fibrotic foci of elderly cadavers by immunohistochemistry, using Col I, III or IV antibodies. Col I stained the fiber bundles in fibrotic central veins, perisinusoidal fibrotic foci, stroma of portal tracts, and expanding and bridging fibrous septa. Col III showed a similar localization as Col I. In fibrotic central veins, Col IV stained the endothelial basement membranes and mesenchymal cells. The sinusoidal lining and perisinusoidal cells displayed variable Col IV staining. In portal tracts, Col IV stained the stromal cells and basement membranes of bile ducts and vasculature. Col IV staining also revealed ductular and capillary‐like structures in the matrix of expanding fibrous septa and more strikingly at the septal‐parenchymal and portal‐parenchymal borders. Conclusions In elderly cadavers, Col types I, III and IV localize to the fibrotic foci and are reliable markers of liver fibrosis. As liver fibrosis becomes more prominent with aging, fibrotic lesions can be better characterized by combining Sirius red staining with Col I, III and IV detection.