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Review
. 2008 Oct 7;14(37):5641-9.
doi: 10.3748/wjg.14.5641.

Physiology of bile secretion

Alejandro Esteller  1
Affiliations
Review

Physiology of bile secretion

Alejandro Esteller. World J Gastroenterol. .

Abstract

The formation of bile depends on the structural and functional integrity of the bile-secretory apparatus and its impairment, in different situations, results in the syndrome of cholestasis. The structural bases that permit bile secretion as well as various aspects related with its composition and flow rate in physiological conditions will first be reviewed. Canalicular bile is produced by polarized hepatocytes that hold transporters in their basolateral (sinusoidal) and apical (canalicular) plasma membrane. This review summarizes recent data on the molecular determinants of this primary bile formation. The major function of the biliary tree is modification of canalicular bile by secretory and reabsorptive processes in bile-duct epithelial cells (cholangiocytes) as bile passes through bile ducts. The mechanisms of fluid and solute transport in cholangiocytes will also be discussed. In contrast to hepatocytes where secretion is constant and poorly controlled, cholangiocyte secretion is regulated by hormones and nerves. A short section dedicated to these regulatory mechanisms of bile secretion has been included. The aim of this revision was to set the bases for other reviews in this series that will be devoted to specific issues related with biliary physiology and pathology.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Organic composition of bile. Perceptual distribution of BAs, Phospholipids (PL), Cholesterol (Chol), Proteins and biliary pigments (BP).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Sinusoidal transport and canalicular secretion. Left: BA dependent canalicular fraction of bile (BADFc). Right: canalicular and sinusoidal secretion of anionic and cationic organic molecules.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Sinusoidal transport and canalicular secretion. Left: BA independent canalicular fraction of bile (BAIFc). Right: Water an electrolyte movement. CA: carbonic anhydrase.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Ductular secretion and reabsorption. BA independent ductular fraction of bile (BAIFd).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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