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Liver and chorion cytochemistry

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Journal of Inherited Metabolic Disease

Summary

Microscopic visualization of peroxisomes in chorionic villus cytotrophoblast and in biopsy and autopsy samples of liver and kidney, the presence of enlarged liver macrophages containing lipid droplets insoluble in acetone and n-hexane as well as polarizing inclusions formed by stacks of trilamellar sheets are of diagnostic value in peroxisomal disorders. Methods are presented for evaluating these structures by light microscopy; trilamellar inclusions are only detected by electron microscopy. Macrophage features are preserved in archival paraffin blocks. In adrenal cortex, insoluble lipid, polarizing inclusions and trilamellar structures should be looked for. The stains are easily reproducible, and all reagents are commercially available.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Human Anatomy, Embryology and Histology, University of Gent, Godshuizenlaan 4, 9000, Gent, Belgium

    F. Roels, B. De Prest & G. De Pestel

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  1. F. Roels
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  2. B. De Prest
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  3. G. De Pestel
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Roels, F., De Prest, B. & De Pestel, G. Liver and chorion cytochemistry. J Inherit Metab Dis 18 (Suppl 1), 155–171 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00711437

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