Regeneration of intrahepatic biliary ducts after subtotal hepatectomy in rats

The regenerative morphogenesis of intrahepatic biliary ducts in subtotally hepatectomized rats was studied at 3, 7, 14 and 21 days after operation. Histological findings showed that during the postmitotic stage of hepatoregeneration, between the 1st and 2nd postoperatory week the regenerated biliary structures appeared in close connection with the newly formed vasculo-connective portal spaces. The poorly differentiated periportal cells generated through a gradual metamorphosis the bordering cells of the regenerating intrahepatic biliary ducts. These plead for the similarity of histogenetic mechanisms in regenerative and embryofetal cholangiogenesis.