Hepatic enzymic zonation: A re-evaluation of the concept of the liver acinus

W. H. Lamers, A. Hilberts, E. Furt, J. Smith, G. N. Jonges, C. J.F. Van Noorden, R. Charles, A. F.M. Moorman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

The distribution pattern of a periportal enzyme (carbamoylphosphate synthetase) and a pericentral enzyme (glutamine synthetase) in human and rat liver has provided an objective parameter to delineate the zonal boundaries of the liver acinus. In sections, the pericentral zone (zone 3) is circular and discrete rather than starlike and reticular, as predicted by Rappaport's (1973) original model, whereas the periportal zone (zone 1) is reticular, i.e. contiguous between adjacent acini rather than discrete. Three-dimensionally, the composite of pericentral zones (the pericentral compartment) follows the branching pattern of the terminal hepatic (central) vein, whereas the composite of periportal zones (the periportal compartment) envelops the pericentral compartment as a three-dimensional network (reticulum). This modified concept that is based upon the three-dimensional network (reticulum). This modified concept that is based upon the three-dimensional distribution of hepatocyte-specific enzymes is supported by the three-dimensional angio-architecture of the liver (Matsumoto et al., 1979) and the three-dimensional pattern of tissue oxygenation (Quistorff and Chance, 1987).

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)217
Number of pages1
JournalActa morphologica Neerlando-Scandinavica
Volume27
Issue number3-4
Publication statusPublished - 1989

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