Changes in the rat liver induced by total portal vein ligation

An enlargement of the hepatic arterial tree with dilation of the main branches, rich ramification of smaller branches and marked tortuosity were seen in rats after total portal vein ligation (compensatory hypertrophy). The normal architecture and histochemistry of the liver showed no evident changes, but some definite alterations were seen in the sinusoids. There was a mild hyperplasia of the reticulum framework. Electron microscopy disclosed capillarization of sinusoids in animals with prolonged portal vein ligation and the presence of hyperfibers of collagen in Disse's space. It is concluded that these changes resulted from hepatic arterialization.