Detection of mitochondria in bile canaliculi in early stage primary biliary cirrhosis cases

Biopsy specimens of liver obtained from patients with early stages of primary biliary cirrhosis were examined by electron microscopy with special attention being paid to changes in bile canaliculi, as well as bile ducts and hepatocytes. Ultrastructural alterations of hepatocytes were minimal and non-specific. In bile canaliculi mitochondria were noted to be normal or slightly lack uniformity. These findings varied according to each case. This alteration was strongly considered to be specific in early stage primary biliary cirrhosis cases.