[Protein-copper complex in primary biliary cirrhosis and other chronic diffuse diseases of the liver].

Orsein-positive granules are found in biopsy specimens in cholestatic liver diseases. In primary biliary cirrhosis and some cases suspicious of it these granules are found in the cytoplasm of periportal hepatocytes. As shown by the test with rubeanhydrogen acid, copper is found in combination with these granules. The detection or orsein-positive granules in combination with copper in the cytoplasm of periportal hepatocytes is an additional informative sign in favor of primary biliary cirrhosis. Granules in stellate endotheliocytes found in all patients with cholestatic liver involvement occurred also in the absence of cholestases.