Abstract
Lipogranulomas are lesions found in histopathological liver examination in
humans and in various animal species, including dogs, especially those
with portosystemic shunts. They consist of macrophages and other
inflammatory cells, and sometimes they contain iron salts (pigment
granuloma). This study aimed at determining the number of granulomas and
cellular composition of lipogranulomas in dogs with the congenital
extrahepatic portosystemic shunt, and to identify factors associated with
their development. 44 archival liver samples from dogs with portosystemic
shunt were stained using HE, Perl’s method and – in randomly-selected
cases – immunohistochemically against CD56, CD20 and CD3 (DAKO). A
reduction in the size of the liver was observed in all dogs during
laparotomy, and the diameter of the vessel circumventing the liver was
also measured (in 24 dogs). Lipogranulomas were found in 52.3% of samples;
iron salts were present in 47.8% of them; 72% of cells in lipogranulomas
were macrophages. In lipogranulomas both types of lymphocytes – T and B –
were seen. The presence of lipogranulomas in liver samples in dogs was
connected with fatty degeneration of hepatocytes and was correlated with
the age of animals and with the diameter of the abnormal vessel
circumventing the liver. Their formation appears to be triggered by severe
ischemia and shortage of nutrient supply.
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