To explore the feasibility of establishing a modified rat model of reversible obstructive jaundice and to assess its value.

90 SD rats were randomly divided into the modified, control and sham operation groups (30 rats in each group) according to random number table method. The modified rat model of reversible obstructive jaundice, traditional model of reversible jaundice and sham operation models were established in 3 groups. The bile duct obstruction was relieved at 7 d after operation. The perioperative liver function in 3 groups was compared by one-way ANOVA and LSD-t test. The ratio comparison was performed by Chi-square test.

After the obstruction was relieved, 2 rats died of bile leakage in modified group and 9 in control group, where significance difference was observed (χ²=4.01, P<0.05). From the end of surgery to the 7^th day after recanalization, TB, ALT, ALP levels and liver histology were observed with similar changes between the modified and control groups. At 3 d after recanalization, TB, ALT and ALP levels in modified group were (4.3±1.5) μmol/L, (25±8) U/L and (130±14) U/L, significantly lower than (23.5±3.6) μmol/L, (49±8) U/L and (170±14) U/L in control group (LSD-t=-23.09, -10.36, -9.67; P<0.05). Mild cholestasis, normal bile duct epithelium and slight hyperplasia of the bile duct wall were observed in modified group, whereas moderate cholestasis and intraductal stenosis were noted in control group.

Compared with the traditional model, the modified rat model of reversible obstructive jaundice does less injury to bile duct and better mimics the physiological process of recanalization of obstructive jaundice and restoration of bile-intestinal circulation, which is a safe, simple and economical animal model.