Wright's stain, 400x

The liver normally contains reserves of glycogen. However, unsually elevated levels of glycogen can be found in certain conditions. When this occurs, hepatocytes will contain poorly defined vacuoles which can lead to cellular distension and degeneration. An affected hepatocyte is encircled in red in the microphotograph on the left. It is not always easy to distinguish between glycogen and lipid deposits. Click here to observe normal hepatocytes.