Morphological Changes of the Portal Triad During Experimental Cholangitis

Abstract

Background: Despite various surgical options, searching for the most effective treatment strategy for cholangitis continues. In light of this, investigations on the interaction between the vascular and biliary components of the portal triad during cholangitis are undoubtedly significant. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate vascular and biliary structures of the portal triad during experimental cholangitis conditions. Methods: 25 rat models were used for experimental cholangitis. Morphological changes of portal triad structures were studied by histological (Hematoxylin and Eosin staining, H&E), immunohistochemical (Pan Cytokeratin AE1/AE3 staining), and histochemical (Masson's Trichrome staining) methods. On preparations stained with H&E and Cytokeratin, histomorphometry of the hepatic bile ducts, their lumen, and the cells of the gallbladder mucosa was performed. Results: The portal triad was infected entirely, with an epicenter in the peribiliary tissue. Bile ducts were dilated, and their walls were significantly thickened and infiltrated. Thrombosis of the portal veins with damaged arteries and bile ducts was revealed. In addition, the luminal mucus layer was completely damaged. Conclusions: During cholangitis, pathological processes in the liver develop rapidly due to an inflammatory response in sinusoids caused by bile contamination and high concentration of endotoxins.