Storage of proteins in the rough endoplasmic reticulum of human hepatocytes in a patient with normal blood proteins, on oral contraceptives.

Aspects of protein storage in the rough endoplasmic reticulum of hepatocytes, comparable with those reported in alpha1-antitrypsine (AAT) deficiency, have been observed in the course of jaundice in a woman presenting no evident abnormality in AAT or other blood proteins. In light microscopy, most hepatocytes contained characteristic globular inclusions but they were PAS negative and did not react with anti-AAT antibodies. This storage of protein ceased at the time the jaundice disappeared. Prolonged treatment with high doses of contraceptive steroids may have been involved in this peculiar reaction of the hepatocytes.