Anatomy of the human biliary system studied by quantitative computer-aided three-dimensional imaging techniques

Abstract

The branching geometry of the normal, cholangiographically identifiable human biliary tree was studied with an innovative computer-aided three-dimensional (3D) imaging technique. In addition, a serially sectioned conventional paraffin block from a normal donor liver was used to create and quantitatively study a microscopic 3D image. Finally, a geometric model was developed to estimate the enlargement of biliary surfaces imparted by microvilli. The images created by these techniques could be viewed in stationary modes or rotating around any preselected axis. Approximately 7 (؎3) intrahepatic duct orders were cholangiographically identified. Computerized measurements of the images from three normal livers suggested that the mean total volume of duct orders 1 to 7 shown in the cholangiograms was 16.6 cm 3 . The volume of the entire macroscopic duct system was estimated to be between 14 and 24 cm 3 (mean, 20.4 cm 3 ), with an internal surface of 336 to 575 cm 2 (mean, 398 cm 2 ). A geometric model based on electron micrographs suggested that this surface is magnified approximately 5.5-fold by the presence of microvilli. Volume and surface area (SA) measurements of all ducts in the same orders increased nearly exponentially from the first toward the seventh branching order (i.e., from the hilus toward the periphery of the liver), and probably beyond. The microscopic computerized reconstruction of a septal bile duct with its tributaries also allowed volume measurements; the imaged duct system represented 2.7% of the portal tract volume. The data presented herein may help to better evaluate branching patterns of the biliary tree and, eventually, the quantitative aspects of site-restricted cholangiocyte function and their role in the development of biliary diseases. (HEPATOLOGY 1998;27:893-899.)

Bile acid feeding increased proliferative activity and apical bile acid transporter expression in both small and large rat cholangiocytes

“…Recruitment of small ducts into this process (by the novo expression of ABAT) would greatly expand the capacity of the cholehepatic shunt because of the much larger luminal surface area in small ducts compared with large ducts. 54 Previous studies employing histoautoradiography showed persistent hepatocyte secretion and ductal absorption of 3 H-taurocholate in BDL rats. 55 Understanding the mechanisms by which different-sized compartments of the intrahepatic biliary tree respond to increased BA has clinical relevance because a number of human liver diseases are characterized by a heterogeneous proliferative response.…”

Microanatomy of the human liver—exploring the hidden interfaces

“…26 They may also represent the final branches of the intrahepatic biliary tree alluded to in a recent study of normal human liver. 34 Therefore, we postulate that the intralobular biliary system consists of bile canaliculi between hepatocytes throughout the lobule, and that they enter into penetrating canals of Hering in the periportal third of the lobule. As such, the canal of Hering serves as a ''trough'' for collecting parenchymal bile and conveying it to the portal tract interface (Fig.…”

Quantitative Assessment of the Rat Intrahepatic Biliary System by Three-Dimensional Reconstruction

“…[1][2][3][4] Although cholangiocyte functional and morphological heterogeneity, a concept that we developed, [5][6][7][8] likely contributes to the selective involvement of different portions of the biliary tree in the cholangiopathies, our understanding of the nature and mechanisms for normal and abnormal anatomical remodeling of the biliary tree is limited. To better define the heterogeneous nature of the human biliary tree, we 9 used a computeraided three-dimensional imaging technique to present a quantitative anatomical study of the normal human biliary tree architecture.…”