Giant cell hepatopathy in three aborted midterm equine fetuses.

The research indicates that giant cell hepatopathy, a rare form of liver disease typically found in human infants, was recorded in three aborted equine fetuses. The cells in the liver of these fetuses significantly enlarged, which led to the fusion of the liver cells and loss of normal structure. Despite extensive testing, no known infectious pathogens were found to cause the ailment.

METHODS

• The researchers collected tissue samples from three miscarried equine fetuses over a three-year period (January 1985-January 1988). These fetuses were 5 to 7 months into gestation.
• The tissue samples were subjected to different types of staining and microscope examinations.
• The researchers also collected serum samples from each mother for viral testing.
• Further bacterial isolation was conducted on fetal and placental samples.

RESULTS

• These samples did not display any evidence of infection due to known pathogens, neither in the fetus nor the mother.
• Most of the significant alterations were confined to the liver, though one fetus also displayed mild non-suppurative myocarditis.
• Additionally, all liver cells contained a substantial quantity of a green-gold pigment. These liver cells were abnormally enlarged, with up to ten centrally located nuclei.
• Alignment of hepatocytes were disrupted and there was generalized vascular congestion.

SYMPTOMS OF GIANT CELL HEPATOPATHY IN EQUINE FETUSES

• The structure of the liver cells was significantly compromised, which seems to have led to the interrupted bile flow. This is similar to the disease progression in human infants where bile duct obliteration can be an outcome.
• In these fetuses, however; this extreme condition was not observed. Irrespective of the unique morphological expression, the disease cannot be linked to any specific cause given the extensive negative results of the infection tests conducted.
• The researchers observed that this is a rare occurrence with only 2.3% of the aborted fetuses showing this condition.

In conclusion, the study presents a rare case of giant cell hepatopathy observed in equine fetuses with no clear etiological factor identified.