[Cytochemistry of bile canaliculi in rats with experimental obstructive jaundice]

The enzymic activities of hepatocytes, especially the bile canaliculi, of rats with experimental obstructive jaundice were studied by using electron microscopic cytochemistry. Common hepatic duct was ligated in rats, and liver tissue was taken from these animals 4 days after the operation for comparison with that of normal rats. The main results of this experiment were as follows: (1) Lumens of bile canaliculi were obviously enlarged. The microvilli became shortened and thickened, or even disappeared. The exoplasm was thickened as well. (2) The activity of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase, G-6-Pase, Ca(++)-ATPase and NDPase in the wall of bile canaliculi was obviously reduced. (3) The activity of cytochrome oxidase in hepatocytes was also obviously reduced. The significance of the changes in these enzymic activity is discussed.