Collagen content of liver biopsy specimens in patients with chronic hepatitis

Collagen content of liver biopsy specimens was determined in 65 patients with chronic hepatitis. The amount of collagen was quantified by computer-assisted image analysis using Sirius-red stained liver sections. The degree of fibrosis was categorized into 5 patterns according to Knodell's criterion with slight modification. In comparison with normal liver, no significant increase in collagen content was detected in the fibrotic liver with portal fibrosis or invasion of fibrosis into the parenchyma associated with portal fibrosis with or without a fibrous septal bridge. The liver with more than two septal bridges or cirrhosis showed significantly higher amounts of collagen in the liver. These findings suggest that fibrous septal formation in the liver may be critical in the progression to cirrhosis.