The structure and occurrence of liver stellate cells were studied in healthy, mildly and severely ketotic lactating dairy cows. In addition, the stellate cells in five clinically healthy lactating cows, each sampled at five different occasions after parturition, were studied. Liver samples were obtained by percutaneous needle biopsy, immediately fixed in 3 glutaraldehyde and processed for light and electron microscopy. The volume fractions of stellate cells and hepatocytic fat were estimated. Bovine stellate cells contained one, often large lipid droplet, not surrounded by a membrane. The cells had a well-developed Golgi apparatus and rough endoplasmic reticulum. Morphological indications for collagen synthesis by the cells were found. The results also suggest that a direct exchange of material between hepatocytes and stellate cells is possible. The volume fraction of stellate cells was decreased and the fraction of hepatocytic fat increased in severely ketotic cows as compared to the other groups. A negative correlation between the volume fractions of hepatocytic fat and stellate cells was significant. Hepatocytic fat decreased significantly after parturition, but an increase in the volume fraction of stellate cells was not significant.
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