Enzyme histochemistry studies of transverse and longitudinal incisions in the common bile duct in rabbits.

The healing process of longitudinal and transverse incisions of the common bile duct in rabbits was studied by identification of 10 different enzymes in the duct wall at various times after the operation. Bile was deviated during the healing. An almost complete disappearance of the subepithelial alkaline phosphatase activity was noted early after longitudinal incisions in contrast to unchanged alkaline phosphatase activity after transverse incisions. Transversely incised ducts almost uniformly developed stricutre formation. The size of the lumen after longitudinal incisions was generally normal. The difference in enzyme pattern following the two types of lesion might reflect a different response of the tissues to the two different types of trauma.