Difference between revisions of "Liver Pigmentation"

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==Introduction==
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{{review}}
Various substances and conditions can cause pigmentation of the liver.
 
  
 
==Congenital melanosis==
 
==Congenital melanosis==
Can occur in calves and lambs at birth. It is not related to clinical disease. Black discolouration occurs in the capsule and stroma of the [[Liver - Anatomy & Physiology|liver]] and these are an abnormal accumulation of melanin pigments.
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*in calves and lambs
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*black discoloration of small irregular portions of the [[Liver - Anatomy & Physiology|liver]]  
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==Haemosiderin==
 
==Haemosiderin==
Accumulation of this pigment occurs in chronic passive congestion and surrounding areas where there has been prior [[Liver Necrosis|necrosis]] and haemorrhage. The pigment is found within the Kupfer cells (macrophages of the liver) and can be visualised using Perl's Prussian Blue stain.
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*in chronic passive congestion and surrounding areas where there has been prior necrosis and haemorrhage
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*found within the Kuppfer cells
The condition does not cause clinical signs alone, but is the consequence of haemorrhage which will cause clinical signs. Deposition of large amounts of haemosiderin may result in [[Liver Failure|liver failure]].
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*use Perls' stain
  
 
==Lipofuscin==
 
==Lipofuscin==
Is a pigment of cellular ageing (it is also names the 'senility pigment') and is insoluble and golden brown in colour.
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*an insoluble golden brown pigment which occurs within hepatocytes
<br>
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*use Schmorl's stain - dark blue
It occurs within hepatocytes and can be identified using Schmorl's stain where the pigment will appear dark blue. It is commonly seen in hepatocytes near to the centrilobular vein in older cats and is of no clinical significance.
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*increases with age - called the ''''senility' pigment'''
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*it is commonly seen in hepatocytes near to the centrilobular vein in older cats
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*no clinical significance
  
 
==Bile==
 
==Bile==
Bile pigment discolours tissues green and therefore is very noticeable at necropsy. Often, intrahepatic bile caniculi are distended with a greenish pigment and are known as 'bile lakes'. Larger foci are seen in long-standing cases when the hepatocytes rupture: the discharged bile is then surrounded by macrophages and perhaps giant cells.
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*especially prominent in obstructive jaundice
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*discolours the tissues green
Bile can be stained with Fouchet stain - and appears green. Bile pigmentation is especially prominent in obstructive [[jaundice]]. Underlying causes must be addressed for treatment of this condition.
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*intrahepatic bile canaliculi are distended with a greenish pigment - called '''bile plugs'''
 
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*larger foci are seen in long standing cases when the hepatocytes rupture: the discharged bile is then surrounded by macrophages and perhaps giant cells - called '''bile lakes'''
{{Learning
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*use Fouchet stain - green
|flashcards = [[Liver_Flashcards_-_Pathology|Liver Pathology Flashcards]]
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[[Category:Liver_-_Pathology]]
}}
 
 
 
== References ==
 
Blood, D.C. and Studdert, V. P. (1999) '''Saunders Comprehensive Veterinary Dictionary''' (2nd Edition),'' Elsevier Science.''
 
<br>
 
Ettinger, S.J, Feldman, E.C. (2005) '''Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine '''(6th edition, volume 2),'' W.B. Saunders Company.''
 
<br>
 
Fossum, T. W. et. al. (2007) '''Small Animal Surgery '''(Third Edition), ''Mosby Elsevier.''
 
<br>
 
Nelson, R.W. and Couto, C.G. (2009) '''Small Animal Internal Medicine '''(Fourth Edition), ''Mosby Elsevier. ''
 
 
 
 
 
{{review}}
 
[[Category:Liver_-_Degenerative Pathology]]
 
[[Category:Nicola Parry reviewing]]
 

Revision as of 12:21, 7 June 2010


Congenital melanosis

  • in calves and lambs
  • black discoloration of small irregular portions of the liver


Haemosiderin

  • in chronic passive congestion and surrounding areas where there has been prior necrosis and haemorrhage
  • found within the Kuppfer cells
  • use Perls' stain

Lipofuscin

  • an insoluble golden brown pigment which occurs within hepatocytes
  • use Schmorl's stain - dark blue
  • increases with age - called the 'senility' pigment
  • it is commonly seen in hepatocytes near to the centrilobular vein in older cats
  • no clinical significance

Bile

  • especially prominent in obstructive jaundice
  • discolours the tissues green
  • intrahepatic bile canaliculi are distended with a greenish pigment - called bile plugs
  • larger foci are seen in long standing cases when the hepatocytes rupture: the discharged bile is then surrounded by macrophages and perhaps giant cells - called bile lakes
  • use Fouchet stain - green