The sample consisted of 16 pigs that were divided into two groups (the control and study groups). Incisions and suturing of the bile ducts were performed in the two groups. Tamoxifen (20 mg/day) was administered only to the study group. The animals were sacrificed after 30 days. Quantification of myofibroblasts in the biliary ducts was made through immunohistochemistryanalysis using anti-alpha smooth muscleactin of the smooth muscle antibody. Immunohistochemical quantification was performed using a digital image system.
RESULTS:
In the animals treated with tamoxifen (20 mg/day), there was a significant reduction in immunostaining for alpha smooth muscleactin compared with the control group (0.1155 vs. 0.2021, p = 0.046).