Liver connective tissue cells isolated from human schistosomal fibrosis or alcoholic cirrhosis represent a modified phenotype of smooth muscle cells.

Hepatic connective tissue cells associated with schistosomal fibrosis and alcoholic cirrhosis were studied in vitro. Primary cell lines were isolated from all biopsies: they were identified as specific homogeneous cell populations, named liver connective tissue cells (LCTC). They were recognized as analogous to smooth muscle cells, different from true fibroblasts by morphological and physiological criteria. The proliferative capacity of LCTC is directly proportional to the degree of fibrosis in hepatic tissues. LCTC are able to secrete type I, III and IV collagen, fibronectin, laminin and amyloid P component. Their relationship with specific pathology of intrahepatic vascular tree in schistosomiasis is hypothesized.

Multiple infection with Toxocara canis. Influence of antihistamines and corticosteroids on the histopathological response.

The histopathology of the tissues of mice infected with ten doses of 100 embryonated eggs of Toxocara canis and the influence of antihistamines and corticosteroids on these findings is described. The main lesions were confined to the liver and lungs. In infected but untreated control mice hepatic lesions consisted of periportal infiltrates, widespread foci of liver cell necrosis and polymorphonuclear and mononuclear accumulation and a few fibrotic granulomata. Treatment with antihistamines did not change these findings significantly, but corticosteroids decreased the amount of cellular infiltration and the size of the lesions. Pulmonary lesions consisted mostly of confluent infiltrates of polymorphonuclears, eosinophils and mononuclear cells with some macrophage proliferation. Neither drug seemed to affect the lung involvement.