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A scanning electron microscopic study of the common bile duct epithelium in the rabbit during experimental biliary
T M van Gulik1, N J Lygidakis, J van Marle
1Department of Surgery, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
Complete biliary obstruction was induced in rabbits by distal ligation of the common bile duct (CBD). The epithelial surface of the CBD was studied with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) at 1-6 days post-ligation. Concomitant biochemical assessments and pressure measurements in the CBD were performed. SEM of non-ligated CBD showed that the epithelium is arranged in folds and clefts, the latter displaying interdigitating cellular processes. At 2 days post-ligation, the epithelial clefts were focally distended showing marked dehiscence of the cellular processes with exposure of the subepithelial connective tissue layer. At 4-6 days post-ligation, extensive defects in the epithelium were observed, frequently with a sharp demarcation between intact epithelium and exposed connective tissue stroma.