Cholestasis- microscopy image

One of the morphological signs of intra or extra-hepatic cholestasis is the accumulation of biliary pigment (bilirubin) inside dilated biliary canaliculi. The pigment forms yellow-brown ramified plugs designated biliary cylinders (H&E, 400x). On the right, bilirubin deposits in the lumen of the interlobulary biliary ducts are an additional morphological sign of cholestasis. In many situations cholestasis is due to difficulties in biliary flow caused by obstruction of the extra-hepatic biliary ways. The affected animal will most likely exhibit elevated serum bilirubin levels (hyperbilirubinaemia) and a yellowish tissue colouration (icterus), particularly striking in the mucosas, non-pigmented cutaneous areas and sclera (H&E, 400x).