Objective: To observe the three-dimensional structure of fibrotic liver tissue and the effect of herbal compound 861 (Cpd861) on it.
Methods: Experimental rat liver fibrosis was induced by human albumin. Liver biopsy specimens were stained with Masson trichrome staining and liver fibrosis was divided into 6 stages. Three-dimensional structure of fibrotic and Cpd861 treated liver tissue were observed by computer aided three-dimensional reconstruction with serial slices.
Results: The fibrous septa of fibrotic liver were continuous and wide, the sinusoids were sparsely, irregularly distributed and dilated. After treatment with Cpd861, the fibrous septa were much less than that of without treatment. The sinusoids were more regular and arranged in radius to central veins.
Conclusion: Observed three-dimensionally, experimental rat liver fibrosis can be inhibited and reversed by herbal compound.