Abstract
Rat's liver in experimentally induced obstructive jaundice was examined with the histochemical techniques.
Microscopically ductular proliferation and fibrosis were observed at the portal area in the obstructive jaundice. Electron microscopically the reduction of microvilli and blebs formation were encountered in the bile canalicular membrane and the luminal membrane of the ductular cells. Horseradish peroxidase injected into the common bile duct penetrated through the tight junction into the intercellular spaces of the hepatocytes and the ductular cells in the obstructive jaundice.
These findings suggested that the plasma membrane of the hepatocytes and the ductular cells were injured in the obstructive jaundice and increased permeability of the tight junction permitted the regurgitation of the bile into the blood circulation.
