The biology of the bile canaliculus, 1993

Three‐dimensional visualization and physiologic evaluation of bile canaliculi in the rat liver slice by confocal laser scanning microscopy

“…The ductule epithelium exists in the ductules, which are involved in reabsorption and secretion of water and electrolytes (Sherlock and Dooley 1997). Although some studies reported the presence of BC epithelia (Gallin 1997, Ishii et al 1989, Roberts et al 1997, others did not (Arias et al 1993, Elias and Sherrick 1969, Fawcett 1986, Jones and SpringMills 1988, Murakami et al 1974, Rappaport 1987. Therefore, it remains unclear whether the BC is involved in secretion and/or reabsorption of bile salts, water, and electrolytes.…”

“…There were significant differences between the BCF and ILHF at the respective measurement points between 3 and 40 min after the LY injection ( * p<0.05, * * p<0.01). Mean ILHF ILHF1 ILHF2 ILHF3 ILHF4 ILHF5 ILHF6 ILHF7 ILHF8 ILHF9 ILHF10 100 Previously, the morphology of the BC was evaluated using the dye injection method, biliary casts, or electron microscopy (Arias et al 1993, Elias and Sherrick 1969, Fawcett 1986, Jones and Spring-Mills 1988, Murakami et al 1974, Rappaport 1987. However, these previous studies only evaluated the morphology of the BC around the portal area.…”

“…Previously, Murakami et al (1974), using electron microscopy, evaluated the morphology of the intralobular BC in biliary casts and demonstrated the reticular stereoscopic structure of Rappaport's zone 1 (Rappaport 1987) in the hepatic lobule (Arias et al 1993, Elias and Sherrick 1969, Fawcett 1986, Jones and Spring-Mills 1988, Murakami et al 1974, Rappaport 1987. However, the stereoscopic structure of other zones excluding zone 1, such as the central venous region (zone 3) and zone 2, remain unclear.…”

Targeting of aminopeptidase n to bile canaliculi correlates with secretory activities of the developing canalicular domain

“…In hepatocytes, the development of the vectorial transport system may involve targeting and subsequent retention of specific structural proteins (or transporters) to the site of destination. 6,7,63 APN is obviously not a transporter protein. Our pharmacological evidence, however, suggested that APN might be involved in canalicular development, because inhibitory chemicals (Fig.…”

“…The plasma membrane of hepatocytes can differentiate into 3 functionally and structurally distinct domains: 1) the sinusoidal membrane that faces the circulation; 2) the lateral membrane that is involved in cell-cell and cell-substratum interactions; and 3) the apical domain (or bile canalicular domain) that, with its welldeveloped microvilli and junction complexes, forms bile canaliculi (BC). [5][6][7][8][9] Development and maintenance of this membrane polarity is essential for functional integrity of the liver, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remained largely elusive. [10][11][12] It is difficult to maintain the normal polarity of hepatocytes in culture.…”