A PECULIAR DISTRIBUTION OF PEROXISOMES IN A PATIENT WITH NODULAR REGENERATIVE HYPERPLASIA OF THE LIVER

In a patient with nodular regenerative hyperplasia of the liver, peroxisomes formed rows along the sinusoidal surface of the parenchymal cells, in contrast to their homogeneous distribution in the normal liver. In some cells, peroxisomes had a perinuclear configuration. Morphometric data were compared to those of seven control livers and revealed normal values of the peroxisomal diameter, axial ratio, volume density, numerical density and surface density. Peroxisomes with cytoplasmic invaginations, protrusions and gastruloid cisternae were rare. Angular profiles were frequently found. The peculiar distribution of the peroxisomes may be linked to the deficient blood supply to the liver in nodular regenerative hyperplasia. (C) Journal of Hepatology.