Functional heterogeneity of cholangiocytes

Semin Liver Dis. 2002 Aug;22(3):227-40. doi: 10.1055/s-2002-34501.

Abstract

The objective of this article is to summarize the findings related to the notion that cholangiocytes, within small and large intrahepatic ducts, are heterogeneous regarding (1) morphology; (2) secretion in response to hormones and peptides and to bile acids; and (3) proliferation in response to injury or toxins, including bile duct ligation (BDL), acute carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4 ) administration, chronic feeding of bile salts (i.e., taurocholate [TC] or taurolithocholate [TLC]) or alpha-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT). After an overview of the morphology of the biliary epithelium, we provide a summary of cholangiocyte function, the in vivo models, and the in vitro experimental tools (i.e., small and large cholangiocytes or small and large intrahepatic bile duct units [IBDU]), which allowed us to demonstrate cholangiocyte heterogeneity. After a discussion on the receptors, transporters, and channels that are heterogeneously expressed by cholangiocytes, we discuss the different-sized ducts that differentially respond to injury and toxins. Finally, we review the human diseases that selectively target specific-sized ducts.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bile Ducts, Intrahepatic / anatomy & histology*
  • Bile Ducts, Intrahepatic / injuries
  • Cell Differentiation / physiology*
  • Epithelial Cells / cytology*
  • Epithelial Cells / metabolism
  • Epithelium / ultrastructure
  • Humans
  • Liver Diseases / physiopathology
  • Rats
  • Receptors, Somatostatin / physiology
  • Secretin / metabolism

Substances

  • Receptors, Somatostatin
  • Secretin