Comparison of two types of intrahepatic jaundice in rats with bile duct ligation

The hepatic bile acid pattern, the activity of the hepatocellular microsomal biotransformation system, and the electron microscopic appearance of the liver in intrahepatic cholestasis in rats induced by norethandrolone were compared with those induced by bile duct ligation and also with previous observations on jaundice resulting from alpha naphthylisothiocyanate intoxication. The smooth endoplasmic reticulum appeared increased in all 3 conditions but the activity of the microsomal biotransformation system was depressed (hypoactive endoplasmic reticulum). The bile acid pattern and the ultra structure of the liver in norethandrolone induced cholestasis resembled those in extrahepatic biliary obstruction, but the changes were less severe. The bile acid pattern after 3 days of norethandrolone administration was comparable to that found one day after bile duct ligation. The jaundice, by contrast, caused by alpha naphthylisothiocyanate differs with respect to the cytoplasmic alterations and the hepatic bile acid pattern. Therefore, at least 2 mechanisms seem to be capable of inducing intrahepatic jaundice in rats. (14 references)