224 



Retrogressive Processes. 



Cholesterin gall stones are apparently the result of a pathological 

 secretion from the biliary mucous membrane ; according to Gamgee, in 

 cholecystitis there may be observed myeline-like masses in the epithelial 

 cells, a lump}% glistening substance, which floats on bile and which, on 

 the addition of acetic acid, crystallizes as cholesterin. These cholesterin 

 clumps are regarded as the stage preceding the deposition of cholesterin 

 for the formation of calculi (Naunyn). 



7. 



X 



ww^iml.' 



Fig. 37. 

 Gallstones from cow. (After Trolldenier. ,) 



It has been pointed otit. too, that colon bacteria or a mixed 

 infection penetrating from the intestine may set up a cholangitis 

 and cause disintegration of the secretion and exudate and in this 

 way give origin to calculus formation (Halia, Naunyn). 



The presence of biliary concretions may produce no symptoms as 

 long as the bile is able to flow without interference; but at times 

 by obstructing the biliary passages they cause biliary stasis and 

 jaundice or, by involvement of the cystic duct, retention of the 

 mucus in the gall bladder with marked dilatation of the latter 

 {hydrops z-esicce fellecs). These calculi with their b^^cteria and 



