Regulation of cholangiocyte bicarbonate secretion

Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol. 2001 Sep;281(3):G612-25. doi: 10.1152/ajpgi.2001.281.3.G612.

Abstract

The objective of this review article is to discuss the role of secretin and its receptor in the regulation of the secretory activity of intrahepatic bile duct epithelial cells (i.e., cholangiocytes). After a brief overview of cholangiocyte functions, we provide an historical background for the role of secretin and its receptor in the regulation of ductal secretion. We review the newly developed experimental in vivo and in vitro tools, which lead to understanding of the mechanisms of secretin regulation of cholangiocyte functions. After a description of the intracellular mechanisms by which secretin stimulates ductal secretion, we discuss the heterogeneous responses of different-sized intrahepatic bile ducts to gastrointestinal hormones. Furthermore, we outline the role of a number of cooperative factors (e.g., nerves, alkaline phosphatase, gastrointestinal hormones, neuropeptides, and bile acids) in the regulation of secretin-stimulated ductal secretion. Finally, we discuss other factors that may also play an important role in the regulation of secretin-stimulated ductal secretion.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bicarbonates / metabolism*
  • Bile / metabolism
  • Bile Acids and Salts / metabolism
  • Bile Ducts, Intrahepatic / cytology
  • Bile Ducts, Intrahepatic / drug effects
  • Bile Ducts, Intrahepatic / metabolism*
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Epithelial Cells / drug effects
  • Epithelial Cells / metabolism*
  • Gastrointestinal Hormones / metabolism
  • Gastrointestinal Hormones / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Nitric Oxide / metabolism
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
  • Receptors, Gastrointestinal Hormone / metabolism
  • Secretin / metabolism
  • Secretin / pharmacology

Substances

  • Bicarbonates
  • Bile Acids and Salts
  • Cytokines
  • Gastrointestinal Hormones
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
  • Receptors, Gastrointestinal Hormone
  • secretin receptor
  • Secretin
  • Nitric Oxide