Effects of ursodeoxycholic and cholic acid feeding on hepatocellular transporter expression in mouse liver.

Article Details

Citation

Fickert P, Zollner G, Fuchsbichler A, Stumptner C, Pojer C, Zenz R, Lammert F, Stieger B, Meier PJ, Zatloukal K, Denk H, Trauner M

Effects of ursodeoxycholic and cholic acid feeding on hepatocellular transporter expression in mouse liver.

Gastroenterology. 2001 Jul;121(1):170-83.

PubMed ID
11438506 [ View in PubMed
]
Abstract

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Cholestasis is associated with retention of potentially toxic bile acids and alterations in hepatocellular transporter expression. Conversely, nontoxic ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) stimulates bile secretion and counteracts cholestasis. This study aimed to determine the effects of UDCA and cholic acid (CA) on the expression of hepatocellular transporters for bile acids (Ntcp, Bsep), organic anions (Oatp1, Mrp2), organic cations (Mdr1a/b), and phospholipids (Mdr2) in mouse liver. METHODS: Bile flow/composition was analyzed in UDCA- or CA-fed mice. Transporter expression was studied by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence microscopy. RESULTS: UDCA had no effect on basolateral Ntcp and down-regulated Oatp1, whereas canalicular Bsep and Mrp2 were up-regulated. CA down-regulated basolateral Ntcp and Oatp1, whereas canalicular Bsep, Mrp2, and Mdr1a/b were up-regulated. Neither UDCA nor CA affected Mdr2 expression. Both UDCA and CA stimulated biliary bile acid and glutathione excretion, although only CA increased phospholipid and cholesterol excretion. CONCLUSIONS: Down-regulation of basolateral and up-regulation of canalicular transporters in response to CA may represent a defense mechanism, in an attempt to prevent hepatocellular accumulation of potentially toxic bile acids. The therapeutic effects of UDCA may be caused in part by stimulation of canalicular transporter expression in the absence of hepatocellular toxicity.

DrugBank Data that Cites this Article

Drug Transporters
DrugTransporterKindOrganismPharmacological ActionActions
Cholic AcidCanalicular multispecific organic anion transporter 1ProteinHumans
Unknown
Inducer
Details
Cholic AcidIleal sodium/bile acid cotransporterProteinHumans
Unknown
Substrate
Inhibitor
Inducer
Details
Cholic AcidP-glycoprotein 1ProteinHumans
Unknown
Inducer
Details
Cholic AcidSolute carrier organic anion transporter family member 1A2ProteinHumans
Unknown
Substrate
Inhibitor
Inducer
Details
Ursodeoxycholic acidCanalicular multispecific organic anion transporter 1ProteinHumans
Unknown
Inducer
Details
Ursodeoxycholic acidSolute carrier organic anion transporter family member 1A2ProteinHumans
Unknown
Substrate
Inhibitor
Inducer
Details