Objective To explore the effect of bile duct ligation induced obstructive cholestasis on rat hepatocytes. Methods Ten Lewis rats were randomly divided into control group and cholestasis group, and the cholestasis was induced by bile duct ligation for 2 weeks. The histopathological changes were compared by H&E and aniline blue staining and the liver function was compared by biochemical analysis. Primary hepatocytes were isolated by modified two-step collagenase perfusion, and the expressions of hepatocyte marker genes, cell proliferation marker genes and cholangiocyte marker genes were detected by RT-qPCR. Results Compared with the control group,the liver of the cholestatic group showed obvious disordered histopathology, deposition of fibrous collagen and impaired liver function. Compared with the control group, the primary hepatocytes in the cholestasis group expressed higher cell proliferation-related genes(Ki67,Foxm1,Pcna and HGF)(P<0. 05). Primary hepatocytes in the cholestasis group expressed lower levels of hepatocyte marker genes(Alb,Mrp2,Bsep and Catenin1)(P<0. 05),and higher levels of cholangiocyte marker genes(Ck7,Ck19,Mdr1 and Cftr)(P<0. 05)and higher levels of the hepatic progenitor cell marker genes(Epcam and Sox9)(P<0. 05). Conclusions Cholestasis induces rat hepatocyte plasticity in the transformation into bile duct properties.