J Korean Radiol Soc.  1994 Mar;30(3):531-537.

An Experimental Microangiographic Study on Injured Liver Acinus by Ligation of Common Bile Duct

• Kim BS
• Park JY
• Moon KH
• Kirn YG
• Lee SH
• Han GT

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the morphologic changes of the injured hepatic acini following ligation of common bile duct and to investigate the pathophysiologic process of hepatic failure and biliary liver cirrhosis in the extrahepatic cholestasis.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The common bile ducts of 18 rabbits were ligated partially. The rabbits were killed and selective microangiography was carried out with infusion of barium suspension via portal vein 4 to 24 weeks after ligation. Selective microangiography was also carried out in two normal rabbits. The microangiographic findings were evaluated and correlated with histopathologic features.
RESULTS
The sinusolds of the liver acinus showed distortion, varying degrees of luminal widening, and irregularities in architecture. Terminal branches of the portal vein (TPV) showed increased number of branches, luminal narrowing, tortuosity, distortion, and beaded appearance. Peribiliary plexi were found as thin curvilinear, barium-filled structures along the wall of the dilated bile duct. The microangiographic findings were well correlated with histopathologic findings. The grades of microangiographic and histopathologic findings were poorly correlated with the duration of the ligation of CBD.
CONCLUSION
Changes in microvasculature of the liver acinus following partial ligation of common bile duct were demonstrated by microangiography. Although the microvascular changes were evoked secondary to the injury, they might have some active roles in the pathophysiologic process in the liver.

MeSH Terms

Barium
Bile Ducts
Cholestasis, Extrahepatic
Common Bile Duct*
Ligation*
Liver Cirrhosis
Liver Failure
Liver*
Microvessels
Phenobarbital
Portal Vein
Rabbits
Barium
Phenobarbital