The dynamics of structural and functional changes in stellate cells in liver biopsy specimens (from lipid-containing to fibrogenous phenotype) was studied during the development of infectious viral fibrosis and cirrhosis of the liver using ultrastructural, immunohistochemical, and morphometric methods. The priority role of stellate cells in the synthesis of extracellular matrix components is emphasized. Resorption of perihepatocellular collagen fibrils is associated with parenchymatous liver cells.

Structural analysis of hepatocytes in liver biopsy specimens from patients with hepatitis C and C+B with intracellular cholestasis was carried out. Large foci of bile components in hepatocytes led to cell damage, eventuating in cell destruction and death. The cholestatic variant of mixed infection was characterized by destructive necrotic changes in hepatocytes and progressive fibrosis of the liver. Destruction of the hepatocyte cytoplasmic organelles was associated with high activity of the infectious process and pronounced cytolytic syndrome.

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