Presence of rodlet cells in the intrahepatic biliary ducts of the brown trout, Salmo trutta fario Linnaeus, 1758 (Teleostei, Salmonidae)

We report for the first time rodlet cells in the epithelium of intrahepatic biliary ducts of the brown trout (Salmo trutta fario Linnaeus 1758). Such cells have not been described in the liver of any salmonid. Several developmental stages of the rodlet cells were found, including mature, discharging elements. The number of rodlet cells decreased from June to April. Intra-epithelial macrophages were found in close proximity to rodlet cells, suggesting a mild pathological reaction.