Immunohistochemical classification of ductular reactions in human liver

Eszter Turányi (1) , Katalin Dezső (1) , Judit Csomor (1) , Zsuzsa Schaff (2) , Sándor Paku (1) , Peter Nagy (3)

1 First Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research
2 2nd Department of Pathology
3 First Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research

Aims: Ductular reactions occur in a wide variety of liver diseases. Their origin and function is still debated. Our comprehension of these histological reactions is set back by their large diversity. Therefore, a rational classification should precede further detailed analysis. Our purpose is the reproducible classification of hepatic ductular reactions based on their immunophenotype. Methods and Results: We have analysed 69 liver specimens with ductular reactions by immunohistochemistry. The majority of the samples could be classified into three categories based on their immunophenotype. Type P(rimitive) reaction is characterized by CD 56 staining; mostly primary biliary cirrhosis and focal nodular hyperplasia samples fall in this group, these ductules do not show any sign of differentiation. Type D(ifferentiating) ductules are positive for CD56, EMA and CD10; cirrhotic samples and regenerating livers following fulminant hepatic failure contain such ductular reactions, this immunophenotype refers to hepatocytic differentiation. Biliary obstruction results in EMA positive Type O(bstructive) reactions, these ductules are similar to the normal interlobular bile ducts. Conclusion: Ductular reactions can be classified based on their immunophenotype. Our results may initiate further similar studies resulting in a generally accepted, rational classification. We believe that such categorization is necessary for understanding their biological and clinical significance.

Mots clés: Medicine

Eszter Turányi, Katalin Dezső, Judit Csomor, Zsuzsa Schaff, Sándor Paku, et al.. Immunohistochemical classification of ductular reactions in human liver. Histopathology, 2010, 57 (4), pp.607. ⟨10.1111/j.1365-2559.2010.03668.x⟩. ⟨hal-00580347⟩