Data concerning the interpretation of biliary neocanaliculi in prolonged biliary stasis

Using the model of cholestasis after ligation of the common bile duct in the rat, some aspects concerning the ductular neoformation were studied. The authors' observations sustain the hepatocytic origin of neoformed tubular structures by a process of regressive metamorphosis of the hepatic cells which is to be considered as a dedifferentiation phenomenon. Neocanaliculi appear in relation with hyperplastic connective tissue through which the liver could regain its embryofetal cholangiogenesis.