Conclusions
Bile acid leakage into the submucosa after initial cholangiocyte injury may serve as a possible mechanism of disease propagation and progressive fibrosis in cholangiopathies.
Methods
Extrahepatic bile duct explants were isolated from adult and neonatal BALB/c mice. Explants were cultured with or without glycochenodeoxycholic acid and ursodeoxycholic acid. They were then fixed and stained.
Results
Explants treated with glycochenodeoxycholic acid demonstrated cholangiocyte injury with monolayer disruption and partial lumen obstruction compared to control ducts. Masson's trichrome stains revealed increased collagen fibers. Myofibroblast marker α-SMA stains were significantly elevated in the periductal region. The addition of ursodeoxycholic acid resulted in decreased cholangiocyte injury and reduced fibrosis. Conclusions: Bile acid leakage into the submucosa after initial cholangiocyte injury may serve as a possible mechanism of disease propagation and progressive fibrosis in cholangiopathies.