top of page

ORIGINAL RESEARCH

Morphological Changes of the Portal Triad During Experimental Cholangitis
Ketevan Jandieri,1 Tamar Turmanidze,1 Liana Kikalishvili,1 Leila Jandieri1
Received: 26 Apr 2023; Accepted: 6 May 2023; Available online: 9 May 2023
References
Download PDF
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.

Keywords: Bile ducts; cholangitis; liver; portal triad.


DOI: 10.52340/GBMN.2023.01.01.25
BACKGROUND
Cholangitis, or acute inflammation of the bile ducts, was first described by Jean-Martin Charcot in 1877, and in 1903 a link between suppurative cholangitis and bile duct obstruction was first noted by Refers. One of the main etiologic factors for developing acute cholangitis is the presence of stones in the common bile duct. Other causes may include post-traumatic structures of the bile ducts, tumors of the biliary system and pancreaticoduodenal regions, and parasitic invasion. (1,2)

If the permeability of the biliary tract is compromised, bacteria grow in bile, and with complete blockage, the number of microorganisms in bile approaches that of feces. Without surgery, acute purulent cholangitis is fatal. (3)

A group of researchers found an association between mechanical jaundice, acute cholangitis, and biliary sepsis in an experimental cholangitis model in Wistar rats triggered by E. Coli contamination of the common bile duct. Biliary sepsis is distinct from acute cholangitis and requires a special approach for diagnosis and treatment. (4,5)

Based on the research, the authors found that ligation of the common bile duct (without infection) causes mechanical jaundice without any signs of acute cholangitis. Furthermore, ligation of the common bile duct, with contamination, leads to the development of acute cholangitis on the seventh day, when focal damage of the mucous membrane of the ducts begins. (6-8) Based on the findings of the complex pathomorphological studies of the common bile duct, the authors concluded that, in addition to the two known factors (cholestasis and infection), a third factor - damage to the mucous membrane of the bile ducts - is required for the development of acute cholangitis. (9-12)

The changes that occur in the liver during experimental cholangitis are relatively well studied, at least in determining the degree of damage to the hepatocytes. In contrast, data on the morphological changes of the structures portal triad during experimental cholangitis is minimal.

The present study aimed to evaluate the morphological changes in the portal triad in the case of experimental cholangitis.
METHODS
The experiment was performed on Wistar rats weighing 200-250 g. After laparotomy and distal ligation of the common bile duct, a microbial suspension of the hemolytic strain E. Coli N195 (1.105 CFU) (colony-forming unit) was injected directly above the ligature at 1 ml/kg body weight. Rats were sacrificed under ether anesthesia on days 3, 6, and 12 after administration of the microbial suspension.

We used hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining to examine liver tissue and monoclonal antibodies AE1/AE3 and Ki-67 to examine bile duct epithelial cells. Masson's method has been used to differentiate liver connective tissue.

Morphometric analysis of preparations stained with hematoxyline-eosin and cytokeratin was used to determine the volume of the bile ducts, their lumen, and cells of the bile mucosa.

For statistical analysis, the T-test and three-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were utilized.
RESULTS
On the third day after surgery, the common bile duct was slightly enlarged when opening the abdominal cavity macroscopically. There were no noticeable changes in other organs.

The proliferation of bile ducts, dilatation of the lumen with pyknosis of the epithelium, and shedding were seen in hematoxylin and eosin-stained samples. The portal triad was found to have an overabundance of eosinophils. Furthermore, nonobstructive blood microthrombi were seen in the lumen of the portal vein branch compressed by the bile duct. The portal triad syndrome was associated with hepatocyte enlargement and a tendency of Disse spaces to enlarge.

The bile duct lumen was enlarged on the sixth day, and their walls were infiltrated and thickened in the preparations. Signs of inflammation in the portal tract were prominent. The portal vein lumen was coated with shaped elements, some containing bacterial colonies. Furthermore, hepatocyte growth was seen surrounding the portal tract against necrobiosis.

On the 12th day, the portal complex was thoroughly infiltrated, with the peribiliary tissue appearing to be the epicenter. The bile duct was dilated, and its wall was thickened and infiltrated, as was the peribiliary tissue. Thrombosis of portal veins was observed with damage to arteries and bile ducts. The mucous layer in the lumen was shredded entirely off. Fibrosis with dense collagen fibers was seen around the bile duct (Fig.1).

FIGURE 1.  Experimental cholangitis on the 12th day after surgery. H&E stain, 10x40.
Morphological Changes of the Portal Triad During Experimental Cholangitis
Explanations: 1-Portal vein; 2-Bile duct, epitheliolytic shredding off, thrombosed lumen; 3-Artery wall hyalinization, thrombosed lumen.

As a result of the translocation of infection on some preparations, purulent masses arising from hemolytic effects were observed in the lumen of the portal vein, along with the masses of peeled debris from the endothelium. Thrombosis and phlebitis of the portal and hepatic veins were well expressed. The central veins were dilated and thrombosed. The lobe was swollen and was in a state of necrobiosis (Fig. 2 and Fig.3).

FIGURE 2. Thrombosis of the portal tract and hepatic veins (marked with an arrow) in the case of experimental cholangitis on the 12th day after surgery. H&E stain, 10x5  
Morphological Changes of the Portal Triad During Experimental Cholangitis
FIGURE 3. Thrombosis of the portal tract and hepatic veins (marked with an arrow) in the case of experimental cholangitis on the 12th day after surgery. H&E stain, 10x5  
Morphological Changes of the Portal Triad During Experimental Cholangitis
Explanations: The white arrow shows bacterial colonies in subsegmental veins. The yellow arrows show hepatocyte lesions of various degrees with perinuclear edema and coagulation of plasma in the vein and adjacent sinusoidal part.

The portal vein collapsed due to the pressure of the dilated bile ducts in the portal tract, and its small remnant and the capillary branches of the next row that originate from it were presented. Necrotic zones are observed in the area of the portal tract, in its center and periphery. The lumen of the bile duct was wholly desquamated. A thrombotic cluster of different shape elements with bacterial invasion is manifested in the preserved branch of the portal vein, which was narrowed due to fibrosis (Fig.4).

FIGURE 4.  Periductular fibrosis in the case of experimental cholangitis on the 12th day after surgery. H&E stain, 10x40
Morphological Changes of the Portal Triad During Experimental Cholangitis
Explanations: 1-portal vein; 2-periductular fibrosis; 3-arteries.

The rat bile duct volume, lumen, and mucous membrane cells were also investigated in materials taken from liver tissue after surgery (Tab.1). Different shapes of epithelial layers of the bile, i.e., luminal, circular (closed), and non-circular (open) (with flakes of epithelial cells), were detected. (Tab.1).

TABLE 1. Morphometric analysis of bile duct proliferation in the background of experimental cholangitis at different time points
Morphological Changes of the Portal Triad During Experimental Cholangitis
Note: The data are average and refer to circulatory bile ducts only. The volume is expressed as 10-5mm2. The difference between the control and experimental groups is reliable (p<0.05).

The ratio of epithelial cells to the bile duct was calculated by subtracting the volume of the lumen of the bile duct from the volume of the bile duct and then dividing by the volume of the epitheliocytes. (13-15)

Our findings reveal that bile duct proliferation is restricted during experimental cholangitis because bacteria in the bile duct lumen cause loss and necrosis of epithelial cells.
DISCUSSIONS
The increased pressure in the ducts is an essential factor in the etiology of cholangitis. Bacterial translocation from rat bile ducts into the central vein has been demonstrated in studies using corrosive preparations of the ducts. (16-19) A cholangiovenous shunt was forming as the pressure increased. Bacteria invaded the liver sinusoids from the bile ducts through the Disse space. Therefore, endotoxins and microbiological substances could enter the Kupffer cells without resistance. (17,20)

On the sixth day of the experimental cholangitis, significant distention of sinusoids, dilation of bile ducts, excessive pus formation in bile ducts, and hypertrophy of the epithelium and focal necrotic regions were observed in the preparations.

The consequences of cholangitis on the liver should be comparable to those of sepsis. Activation of Kupffer cells is the triggering mechanism during sepsis.10 The only difference is that purulent bile enters the sinusoid during cholangitis under pressure through the space of Disse. Some mechanisms of hepatocyte injury have been identified and validated. It has been demonstrated that the inflammatory response causes self-harm through hypoxia, microthrombi, cell destruction, necrosis, or apoptosis. (21,22) Kupffer cells contribute to the absorption of toxic chemicals but also damage the hepatocyte membranes.
CONCLUSIONS

Cholangitis causes a rapid inflammatory response due to bacterial contamination and a high concentration of endotoxins in the sinusoids. In addition, bile duct proliferation is restricted because microorganisms in the duct lumen promote the shedding and necrosis of epitheliocytes.

AUTHOR AFFILIATION

1 Department of Topographic Anatomy and Operative surgery, Tbilisi State Medical University, Tbilisi, Georgia

AKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We would like to thank our colleagues as well as the entire laboratory team of the Morphological Institute at Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University (TSU).

REFERENCES

  1. Sanchari Sinha Dutta, Ph.D. What is Acute Cholangitis? https://www.news-medical.net/health/What-is-Acute-Cholangitis.aspx.

  2. StatPearls. Medical References: Cholangitis. Continuing Education Activity. https://www.statpearls.com/ArticleLibrary/viewarticle/89675.

  3. Lorenzo Crumbie. KENHUB. Common disorders of the biliary system. https://www.kenhub.com/en/library/anatomy/common-disorders-of-the-biliary-system.

  4. Georgiev, P., W. Jochum, S. Heinrich, J.H. Jang, A. Nocito, F. Dahm and P.A. Clavien (2008). &quot;Characterization of time-related changes after experimental bile duct ligation.&quot; Br J Surg 95(5): 646-656.

  5. Kordzaia D, Chanukvadze I, Jangavadze M. FunctionalAnatomy of Intrahepatic Biliary System (Clinical and Experimental Data). In: Miguel Ángel Mercado, editor. Bile Duct: Functional Anatomy, Disease and Injury Classification and Surgical Management. Nova Science Publishers, Inc; 2014. p. 1–87.

  6. Desmet, V.J. (2011). Ductal plates in hepatic ductular reactions. Hypothesis and implications. I. Types of ductular reaction reconsidered. Virchows Arch 458(3): 251-259.

  7. Esrefoglu, M., M. Gul, M. H. Emre, A. Polat and M. A. Selimoglu (2005). Protective effect of low dose of melatonin against cholestatic oxidative stress after common bile duct ligation in rats. World J Gastroenterol 11(13): 1951-1956.

  8. Georgiev, P.A. Navarini, J. J. Eloranta, K. S. Lang, G.A. Kullak-Ublick, A. Nocito, F. Dahm,W. Jochum, R. Graf and P.A. Clavien (2007). Cholestasis protects the liver from ischaemic injury and post-ischaemic inflammation in the mouse. Gut 56(1): 121-128.

  9. Chanukvadze I., Archvadze V., Soreli M. Bilio-vaskular architecture of main magistral portal trakts. Georgian Critikal Care Medicine Institute Tbilisi. New Steps in Critikal Care Medicine.Materials of Tbilisi Fourt International Conference. Tbilisi, Georgia - Tel-Aviv, Israel. 9-10.2012; 77-81.

  10. Kiss, A., J. Schnur, Z. Szabo and P. Nagy (2001). Immunohistochemical analysis of atypical ductular reaction in the human liver, with special emphasis on the presence of growth factors and their receptors. Liver 21(4): 237-246.

  11. Kordzaia D, Jangavadze M. Unknown bile ductuli accompanying hepatic vein tributaries (experimental study). Georgian Med News. 2014 Sep;(234):121–9.

  12. Patarshvili LG, Tsomaia KB, Bebiashvili IS, Kordzaia DJ,Gusev SA. Spatial Organization of the Transport of Interstitial Fluid and Lymph in Rat Liver (Scanning Electron Microscopy of Injection Replicas). Bull Exp Biol Med. 2021.

  13. Glaser S.S., P. Onori, C. Wise, F. Yang, M. Marzioni, D. Alvaro, A. Franchitto, R. Mancinelli, G. Alpini, M. K. Munshi and E. Gaudio (2010). Recent advances in the regulation of cholangiocyte proliferation and function during extrahepatic cholestasis. Dig Liver Dis 42(4): 245-252.

  14. Wang, C.P., L. Zhou, S.H. Su, Y. Chen, Y.Y. Lu, F. Wang, H.J. Jia, Y.Y. Feng and Y.P. Yan (2006). Augmenter of liver regeneration promotes hepatocyte proliferation induced by Kupffer cells. World J Gastroenterol 12(30): 4859-4865.

  15. Yin, L., D. Lynch, Z. Ilic and S. Sell (2002). Proliferation and differentiation of ductular progenitor cells and littoral cells during the regeneration of the rat liver to CCl4/2-AAF injury. Histol Histopathol 17(1): 65-81.

  16. Tsomaia K, Patarashvili L, Bebiashvili I, Azmaiparashvili E,Kakabadze M, Jalabadze N, et al.New corrosion cast media and its ability for SEM and light microscope investigation. Microsc Res Tech. 2020 Jul 4;83(7):778–89.

  17. Wang, H., B.P. Vohra, Y. Zhang and R.O. Heuckeroth (2005). Transcriptional profiling after bile duct ligation identifies PAI-1 as a contributor to cholestatic injury in mice. Hepatology 42(5): 1099-1108.

  18. Dhainaut J.F., Marin N., Mignon A., Vinsonneau Ch. Hepatic response to sepsis: Interaction between coagulation and inflammatory processes // Critical Care Medicine.2001. V. 29. P. 201–207.

  19. Grizas S. Etiology of bile infection and its association with postoperative     complications following pancreatoduodenectomy // Medicina (Kaunas). 2005. V. 41(5). P. 386–391.

  20. Abe, T., T. Arai, A. Ogawa, T. Hiromatsu, A. Masuda, T. Matsuguchi, Y. Nimura           and Y. Yoshikai (2004). Kupffer cell-derived interleukin 10 is responsible for impaired bacterial clearance in bile duct-ligated mice. Hepatology 40(2): 414-423.

  21. Yoshihiro Sakamoto, Norihiro Kokudo and all. Clinical Anatomy of the Liver: Review of the 19th Meeting of the Japanese. Research Society of Clinical Anatom S. Karger AG, Basel 2016.

  22. Yoshioka, K., A. Mori, K. Taniguchi and K. Mutoh (2005) Cell proliferation activity of proliferating bile duct after bile duct ligation in rats. Vet Pathol 42(3): 382-385.

bottom of page