Abnormal CD44 activation of hepatocytes with nonalcoholic fatty accumulation in rat hepatocarcinogenesis

Figure 2 Pathohistology and hepatic CD44 in rat hepatocarcinogenesis. According to pathohistological examination with H and E staining, the rat livers were divided into five groups. A: The normal controls (A1); B: The nonalcoholic fatty liver disease formation (B1); C: The hepatocytes damage (denaturation, C1); D: The precancerosis (D1); and E: The HCC formation (E1); A1: Normal controls; B1-E1: The sections of the corresponding to above livers were analyzed by CD44 immunohistochemistry with anti-rat CD44 antibody, and the overexpression of CD44 in rat hepatocytes; F: The IOD values represented hepatic CD44 expression levels; G: The alterations of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity; and H: The alterations of serum AST activity. Original magnification of liver sections (× 400) from Figure 2A1 to Figure 2E1. ^aP < 0.05 vs control group. IOD: Integral optic density.