Scanning electron microscope study on the mechanism of obstructive jaundice in rats

The possible communication between the bile canaliculus and the space of Disse was examined by experimentally inducing obstructive jaundice in rats. Blood bilirubin levels were measured and the morphological changes in the liver were observed with the scanning electron microscope (SEM); Golgi's silver impregnation was also applied to demonstrate bile canaliculus. The normal bile canaliculus issued side branches but these ended blindly and showed no communication with the space of Disse. The pericapillary space of Disse frequently extended between the liver cells forming a paracapillary space. This space reached close to the bile canaliculus but never connected with it. Seven to 14 days after bile duct ligation, when a maximal level of bilirubin was reached, direct connection of bile canaliculi and pericapillary or paracapillary spaces could be found in many places. Two routes of bile leakage were discerned: One was formed by the side branch of the bile canaliculus directly connected to the pericapillary or paracapillary space, and the other was a communication of the laterally extended bile canaliculus to the paracapillary space, the junctional complex being overrun (Fig. 12).