Hepatic cytokeratin changes in obstructive jaundice: before and after biliary drainage

We investigated the changes in hepatic cytokeratins in obstructive jaundice by immunohistochemistry. The results can be summarized as follows: 1) In accordance with the progression of the jaundice, the lobular and cellular distribution of cytokeratin reactivity in hepatocytes expanded. 2) Cytokeratin reactivity in obstructive jaundice was improved by removal of the bile duct obstruction (decompression), but this decompressive effect deteriorated in the case of prolonged jaundice. 3) It is suggested that the specific lobular and cellular distribution and/or the changes in cytokeratin aggregation might be of value in determining the stage and in predicting the prognosis of obstructive jaundice.