Figure 1

Immunohistochemical studies of CD34 and D2-40. Immunohistochemical staining with monoclonal antibodies D2-40 and CD34 was performed to examine lymphangiogenesis and angiogenesis in serial sections of liver samples obtained from normal portions of liver, Child-Pugh grade A cirrhotic liver (Child A-LC), and Child-Pugh grade C cirrhotic liver (Child C-LC). White arrows denote capillary or blood vessel endothelial cells. Black arrows denote lymph vessel endothelial cells. P denotes portal tracts or portal vein. C denotes central veins. A: Normal control liver tissue. Positive imunoreactivity of CD34 is observed in central vessels and portal vessels, as well as terminal portal venules. a and b: Lymphatic microvessels labeled by D2-40 immunostaining. c and d: Blood vessels labeled by CD34 immunostaining. White arrows show blood microvessels labeled by monoclonal antibody of CD34 only. Original magnification: a, c: ×100; b, d (portal tract): ×400: B: Child A-LC liver tissue. e and f: Lymphatic microvessels labeled by D2-40. g and h: Blood vessels labeled by CD34. CD34positive blood vessels are increased in cirrhotic liver. The number of D2-40-labeled lymphatic vessels in the fibrotic septa and the intensity of D2-40 imunoreactivity are increased in Child A-LC compared to the portal tract in normal control liver. Original magnification: e, g: ×100; f, h (fibrotic septa): ×400. C: Child C-LC liver tissue. i and j: Lymphatic microvessels labeled by D2-40. k and l: Blood vessels labeled by CD34. D2-40-positive lymphatic vessels are more abundant compared to control and Child A-LC liver tissues. Reaction products of CD34 are more abundantly located on hepatic sinusoids in regenerative hepatic nodules than in the parenchyma of control liver tissue. Original magnification: i, k: ×100; j, l (fibrotic septa): ×400.