The sinusoids in cirrhosis. A morphometric study.

The volume fraction of the sinusoids (Vv), the sinusoidal surface:total volume ratio (Sv), and the sinusoidal length:total volume ratio (Lv) were evaluated morphometrically in twelve biopsy specimens with cirrhosis and in eleven control specimens. The Sv, which is directly related to the radius of the sinusoids, was significantly (0.01 greater than P greater than 0.001) greater in the cirrhotic group than in the controls. In contrast, the Lv, which is directly related to the length of the sinusoids, and the Vv did not vary significantly in the same groups. These data support the concept that changes of the sinusoids do not contribute to portal hypertension in cirrhosis.