Councilman bodies

Hyaline bodies are observed as round, eosinophilic, occasionally layered acidophilic corpuscles in the cytoplasm of degenerated hepatocytes. Diffusely distributed in the lobule, they are particularly evident in acute viral hepatitis A and B. It was, in fact, in yellow fever that they were first described as Councilman bodies (w.T. Councilman) in 1890. So-called pin cells, i.e. dehydrated, pin-shaped, compressed liver cells, may be regarded as precursors of the hyaline bodies. As a rule, they can be fully restored. 

Liver cell degenerations (hydropic swelling, eosinophilic degeneration, pin cells, hyaline bodies) and cell polymorphy, single cell necrosis in the form of (acidophilic) Councilman bodies, infiltration of lymphocytes, macrophages and activated stellate cells (yet only few plasma cells and neutrophilic granulocytes), proliferation of sinusoidal cells. 

Hyaline single cell necrosis (rather similar in appearance to Councilman bodies) is nearly always witnessed. This cell necrosis is the result of cytotoxicity, mediated by T lymphocytes. 

Hepatic lesions in the case of yellow fever are more likely to correspond to those of hepatosis, (s. p. 404) There is also evidence of distinct acidophilic hepatocellular necrosis as well as microvesicular fatty degeneration of the hepatocytes. Hyaline, eosinophilic inclusions in the cytoplasm of degenerated hepatic cells (so-called Councilman bodies) are characteristic and were first identified by w.T. Councilman in 1890 in yellow fever (s. p. 396). Acidophilic inclusion bodies in the hepatocellular nuclei which are arranged concentrically around the nucleolus (so-called Torres corpuscles) correspond to the yellow fever virus (C.M. Torres, 1928). The liver does not present any significant signs of inflammation. The reticular fibre structure is maintained, so that the liver architecture is usually completely restored-provided the outcome of the disease is favourable, (s. fig. 23.4)... 

Vieira, W.T., Gayotto, L.C., de Lima, C.R, de Brito, T. Histopathology of the human liver in yellow fever with special emphasis on the diagnostic role of the Councilman body. Histopathology 1983 7 195-208... 

Lobular inflammation Whereas lobular, diffusely distributed inflammation is more evident, in acute hepatitis portal and periportal inflammation predominates in chronic hepatitis and lobular hepatitis is less pronounced. Generally, it consists of separate small clusters of mononuclear cells. Scattered necrotic hepatocytes (= acidophilic / Councilman bodies) are found the hepatocellular nuclei are in disarray (= anisonucleosis) there is swelling of the hepatocytes, and mitoses are present. Marked lobular hepatitis in conjunction with considerable portal and periportal inflammation is typical of flares of chronic viral hepatitis or autoimmune hepatitis. In addition to single-cell necroses, there are confluent necroses, which affect entire lobules. Bridging necroses link portal tracts with other portal tracts or with terminal venules, (l)... 

Biava C, Mukhlova-Montiel M (1965) Electron microscopic observation on councilman-like acidophilic bodies and other forms of acidophilic changes in human liver cells. Am J Pathol 46 775-802... 

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