Photosensitivity diseases in New Zealand

Abstract

Facial eczema damage in the rabbit is essentially the same as that in the sheep and guinea pig, but the lesion in the rabbit is much more acute and develops more rapidly. The essential feature is an acute cholangitis characterised by periductal oedema, fibrosis, and cellular infiltration. The extra-hepatic biliary system is markedly affected. The degree of oedema and fibrosis is proportional to the size of the duct. The smallest duct branches often show no change. Occlusion of medium-sized ducts and proliferation of bile ductules proximal to the site of occlusion is also seen. Branches of the portal vein and hepatic artery become involved in the inflammatory process and damage to the wall of these vessels sometimes occurs.