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Semin Liver Dis 2002; 22(3): 227-240
DOI: 10.1055/s-2002-34501
Copyright © 2002 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

Functional Heterogeneity of Cholangiocytes

Marco Marzioni1 , Shannon S. Glaser2 , Heather Francis2 , Jo Lynne Phinizy2 , Gene LeSage3 , Gianfranco Alpini1,3,4
  • 1Medical Physiology, The Texas A&M University System HSC, COM, Temple, Texas
  • 2Division of Research and Education, Scott & White Hospital, Temple Texas
  • 3Department of Internal Medicine, Scott & White Hospital, Temple, Texas
  • 4Internal Medicine and Medical Physiology, The Texas A & M University System HSC, COM and Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, Texas
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Publication History

Publication Date:
02 October 2002 (online)

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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 (CCl4) administration, chronic feeding of bile salts (i.e., taurocholate [TC] or taurolithocholate [TLC]) or α-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.

KEYWORDS

Ductal secretion - intrahepatic biliary epithelium - liver injury - proliferation - secretin

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