Physiology of cholangiocytes

Compr Physiol. 2013 Jan;3(1):541-65. doi: 10.1002/cphy.c120019.

Abstract

Cholangiocytes are epithelial cells that line the intra- and extrahepatic ducts of the biliary tree. The main physiologic function of cholangiocytes is modification of hepatocyte-derived bile, an intricate process regulated by hormones, peptides, nucleotides, neurotransmitters, and other molecules through intracellular signaling pathways and cascades. The mechanisms and regulation of bile modification are reviewed herein.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bile / physiology*
  • Biliary Tract / physiology*
  • Epithelial Cells / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Signal Transduction