Bile acids mobilise internal Ca2+ independently of external Ca2+ in rat hepatocytes

Calcium signaling in the liver

Intracellular free Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)]i) is a highly versatile second messenger that regulates a wide range of functions in every type of cell and tissue. To achieve this versatility, the Ca(2+) signaling system operates in a variety of ways to regulate cellular processes that function over a wide dynamic range. This is particularly well exemplified for Ca(2+) signals in the liver, which modulate diverse and specialized functions such as bile secretion, glucose metabolism, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. These Ca(2+) signals are organized to control distinct cellular processes through tight spatial and temporal coordination of [Ca(2+)]i signals, both within and between cells. This article will review the machinery responsible for the formation of Ca(2+) signals in the liver, the types of subcellular, cellular, and intercellular signals that occur, the physiological role of Ca(2+) signaling in the liver, and the role of Ca(2+) signaling in liver disease.

Sphingosine kinase-1 inhibition protects primary rat hepatocytes against bile salt-induced apoptosis

Sphingosine kinases (SphKs) and their product sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) have been reported to regulate apoptosis and survival of liver cells. Cholestatic liver diseases are characterized by cytotoxic levels of bile salts inducing liver injury. It is unknown whether SphKs and/or S1P play a role in this pathogenic process. Here, we investigated the putative involvement of SphK1 and S1P in bile salt-induced cell death in hepatocytes. Primary rat hepatocytes were exposed to glycochenodeoxycholic acid (GCDCA) to induce apoptosis. GCDCA-exposed hepatocytes were co-treated with S1P, the SphK1 inhibitor Ski-II and/or specific antagonists of S1P receptors (S1PR1 and S1PR2). Apoptosis and necrosis were quantified. Ski-II significantly reduced GCDCA-induced apoptosis in hepatocytes (-70%, P<0.05) without inducing necrosis. GCDCA increased the S1P levels in hepatocytes (P<0.05). GCDCA induced [Ca(2+)] oscillations in hepatocytes and co-treatment with the [Ca(2+)] chelator BAPTA repressed GCDCA-induced apoptosis. Ski-II inhibited the GCDCA-induced intracellular [Ca(2+)] oscillations. Transcripts of all five S1P receptors were detected in hepatocytes, of which S1PR1 and S1PR2 appear most dominant. Inhibition of S1PR1, but not S1PR2, reduced GCDCA-induced apoptosis by 20%. Exogenous S1P also significantly reduced GCDCA-induced apoptosis (-50%, P<0.05), however, in contrast to the GCDCA-induced (intracellular) SphK1 pathway, this was dependent on S1PR2 and not S1PR1. Our results indicate that SphK1 plays a pivotal role in mediating bile salt-induced apoptosis in hepatocytes in part by interfering with intracellular [Ca(2+)] signaling and activation of S1PR1.

A small component of the endoplasmic reticulum is required for store-operated Ca2+ channel activation in liver cells: evidence from studies using TRPV1 and taurodeoxycholic acid

The question of whether the activation of SOCs (store-operated Ca(2+) channels) requires the whole or part of the ER (endoplasmic reticulum) has not been fully resolved. The role of a putative sub-compartment of the ER in SOC activation in liver cells was investigated using ectopically expressed TRPV1 (transient receptor potential vanilloid 1), a non-selective cation channel, and TDCA (taurodeoxycholic acid), an activator of SOCs, to release Ca(2+) from different regions of the ER. TRPV1 was expressed in the ER and in the plasma membrane. The amount of Ca(2+) released from the ER by a TRPV1 agonist, measured using fura-2, was the same as that released by a SERCA (sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase) inhibitor, indicating that TRPV1 agonist-sensitive stores substantially overlap with SERCA inhibitor-sensitive stores. In contrast with SERCA inhibitors, TRPV1 agonists did not activate store-operated Ca(2+) entry. These findings were confirmed by patch-clamp recording. Using FFP-18, it was shown that SERCA inhibitors release Ca(2+) from the ER located closer to the plasma membrane than the region from which TRPV1 agonists release Ca(2+). In contrast with SERCA inhibitors, TRPV1 agonists did not induce a redistribution of STIM1 (stromal interaction molecule 1). TDCA caused the release of Ca(2+) from the ER, which was detected by FFP-18 but not by fura-2, and a redistribution of STIM1 to puncta similar to that caused by SERCA inhibitors. It is concluded that in liver cells, Ca(2+) release from a small component of the ER located near the plasma membrane is required to induce STIM1 redistribution and SOC activation.

Bile acids and signal transduction: role in glucose homeostasis

Bile acids are mainly recognized for their role in dietary lipid absorption and cholesterol homeostasis. However, recent progress in bile acid research suggests that bile acids are important signaling molecules that play a role in glucose homeostasis. Among the various supporting evidence, several reports have demonstrated an improvement of the glycemic index of type 2 diabetic patients treated with diverse bile acid binding resins. Herein, we review the diverse interactions of bile acids with various signaling/response pathways, including calcium mobilization and protein kinase activation, membrane receptor-mediated responses, and nuclear receptor responses. Some of the effects of the bile acids are direct through the activation of specific receptors, i.e., TGR5, CAR, VDR, and FXR, while others imply modulation of the hormonal, growth factor and/or neuromediator responses, i.e., glucagon, EGF, and acetylcholine. We also discuss recent evidence implicating the interaction of bile acids with glucose homeostasis mechanisms, with the integration of our understanding of how the signaling mechanisms modulated by bile acid could regulate glucose metabolism.

Store-operated Ca(2+) channels and Stromal Interaction Molecule 1 (STIM1) are targets for the actions of bile acids on liver cells

Cholestasis is a significant contributor to liver pathology and can lead to primary sclerosis and liver failure. Cholestatic bile acids induce apoptosis and necrosis in hepatocytes but these effects can be partially alleviated by the pharmacological application of choleretic bile acids. These actions of bile acids on hepatocytes require changes in the release of Ca(2+) from intracellular stores and in Ca(2+) entry. However, the nature of the Ca(2+) entry pathway affected is not known. We show here using whole cell patch clamp experiments with H4-IIE liver cells that taurodeoxycholic acid (TDCA) and other choleretic bile acids reversibly activate an inwardly-rectifying current with characteristics similar to those of store-operated Ca(2+) channels (SOCs), while lithocholic acid (LCA) and other cholestatic bile acids inhibit SOCs. The activation of Ca(2+) entry was observed upon direct addition of the bile acid to the incubation medium, whereas the inhibition of SOCs required a 12 h pre-incubation. In cells loaded with fura-2, choleretic bile acids activated a Gd(3+)-inhibitable Ca(2+) entry, while cholestatic bile acids inhibited the release of Ca(2+) from intracellular stores and Ca(2+) entry induced by 2,5-di-(tert-butyl)-1,4-benzohydro-quinone (DBHQ). TDCA and LCA each caused a reversible redistribution of stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1, the endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) sensor required for the activation of Ca(2+) release-activated Ca(2+) channels and some other SOCs) to puncta, similar to that induced by thapsigargin. Knockdown of Stim1 using siRNA caused substantial inhibition of Ca(2+)-entry activated by choleretic bile acids. It is concluded that choleretic and cholestatic bile acids activate and inhibit, respectively, the previously well-characterised Ca(2+)-selective hepatocyte SOCs through mechanisms which involve the bile acid-induced redistribution of STIM1.

Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase facilitates bile acid-induced Ca(2+) responses in pancreatic acinar cells

Bile acids are known to induce Ca(2+) signals in pancreatic acinar cells. We have recently shown that phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) regulates changes in free cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) elicited by CCK by inhibiting sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase (SERCA). The present study sought to determine whether PI3K regulates bile acid-induced [Ca(2+)](i) responses. In pancreatic acinar cells, pharmacological inhibition of PI3K with LY-294002 or wortmannin inhibited [Ca(2+)](i) responses to taurolithocholic acid 3-sulfate (TLC-S) and taurochenodeoxycholate (TCDC). Furthermore, genetic deletion of the PI3K gamma-isoform also decreased [Ca(2+)](i) responses to bile acids. Depletion of CCK-sensitive intracellular Ca(2+) pools or application of caffeine inhibited bile acid-induced [Ca(2+)](i) signals, indicating that bile acids release Ca(2+) from agonist-sensitive endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stores via an inositol (1,4,5)-trisphosphate-dependent mechanism. PI3K inhibitors increased the amount of Ca(2+) in intracellular stores during the exposure of acinar cells to bile acids, suggesting that PI3K negatively regulates SERCA-dependent Ca(2+) reloading into the ER. Bile acids inhibited Ca(2+) reloading into ER in permeabilized acinar cells. This effect was augmented by phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)-trisphosphate (PIP(3)), suggesting that both bile acids and PI3K act synergistically to inhibit SERCA. Furthermore, inhibition of PI3K by LY-294002 completely inhibited trypsinogen activation caused by the bile acid TLC-S. Our results indicate that PI3K and its product, PIP(3), facilitate bile acid-induced [Ca(2+)](i) responses in pancreatic acinar cells through inhibition of SERCA-dependent Ca(2+) reloading into the ER and that bile acid-induced trypsinogen activation is mediated by PI3K. The findings have important implications for the mechanism of acute pancreatitis since [Ca(2+)](i) increases and trypsinogen activation mediate key pathological processes in this disorder.

Bile acids stimulate PKCalpha autophosphorylation and activation: role in the attenuation of prostaglandin E1-induced cAMP production in human dermal fibroblasts

The aim was to identify the specific PKC isoform(s) and their mechanism of activation responsible for the modulation of cAMP production by bile acids in human dermal fibroblasts. Stimulation of fibroblasts with 25-100 microM of chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) and ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) led to YFP-PKCalpha and YFP-PKCdelta translocation in 30-60 min followed by a transient 24- to 48-h downregulation of the total PKCalpha, PKCdelta, and PKCepsilon protein expression by 30-50%, without affecting that of PKCzeta. Increased plasma membrane translocation of PKCalpha was associated with an increased PKCalpha phosphorylation, whereas increased PKCdelta translocation to the perinuclear domain was associated with an increased accumulation of phospho-PKCdelta Thr505 and Tyr311 in the nucleus. The PKCalpha specificity on the attenuation of cAMP production by CDCA was demonstrated with PKC downregulation or inhibition, as well as PKC isoform dominant-negative mutants. Under these same conditions, neither phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, p38 MAP kinase, p42/44 MAP kinase, nor PKA inhibitors had any significant effect on the CDCA-induced cAMP production attenuation. CDCA concentrations as low as 10 microM stimulated PKCalpha autophosphorylation in vitro. This bile acid effect required phosphatidylserine and was completely abolished by the presence of Gö6976. CDCA at concentrations less than 50 microM enhanced the PKCalpha activation induced by PMA, whereas greater CDCA concentrations reduced the PMA-induced PKCalpha activation. CDCA alone did not affect PKCalpha activity in vitro. In conclusion, although CDCA and UDCA activate different PKC isoforms, PKCalpha plays a major role in the bile acid-induced inhibition of cAMP synthesis in fibroblasts. This study emphasizes potential consequences of increased systemic bile acid concentrations and cellular bile acid accumulation in extrahepatic tissues during cholestatic liver diseases.

Taurolithocholic acid exerts cholestatic effects via phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-dependent mechanisms in perfused rat livers and rat hepatocyte couplets

Taurolithocholic acid (TLCA) is a potent cholestatic agent. Our recent work suggested that TLCA impairs hepatobiliary exocytosis, insertion of transport proteins into apical hepatocyte membranes, and bile flow by protein kinase Cepsilon (PKCepsilon)-dependent mechanisms. Products of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases (PI3K) stimulate PKCepsilon. We studied the role of PI3K for TLCA-induced cholestasis in isolated perfused rat liver (IPRL) and isolated rat hepatocyte couplets (IRHC). In IPRL, TLCA (10 micromol/liter) impaired bile flow by 51%, biliary secretion of horseradish peroxidase, a marker of vesicular exocytosis, by 46%, and the Mrp2 substrate, 2,4-dinitrophenyl-S-glutathione, by 95% and stimulated PI3K-dependent protein kinase B, a marker of PI3K activity, by 154% and PKCepsilon membrane binding by 23%. In IRHC, TLCA (2.5 micromol/liter) impaired canalicular secretion of the fluorescent bile acid, cholylglycylamido fluorescein, by 50%. The selective PI3K inhibitor, wortmannin (100 nmol/liter), and the anticholestatic bile acid tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA, 25 micromol/liter) independently and additively reversed the effects of TLCA on bile flow, exocytosis, organic anion secretion, PI3K-dependent protein kinase B activity, and PKCepsilon membrane binding in IPRL. Wortmannin also reversed impaired bile acid secretion in IRHC. These data strongly suggest that TLCA exerts cholestatic effects by PI3K- and PKCepsilon-dependent mechanisms that are reversed by tauroursodeoxycholic acid in a PI3K-independent way.

Tauroursodeoxycholic acid mobilizes alpha-PKC after uptake in human HepG2 hepatoma cells

BACKGROUND

Tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) may exert anticholestatic effects via Ca(++)- and alpha-protein kinase C (alpha-PKC)-dependent apical vesicular insertion of canalicular transporters in cholestatic hepatocytes (Hepatology 2001; 33: 1206-16). Tauroursodeoxycholic acid is mainly taken up into liver cells by Na(+)-taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (Ntcp). Tauroursodeoxycholic acid selectively translocates alpha-PKC, a key mediator of regulated exocytosis, to hepatocellular membranes. It is unclear whether TUDCA exerts its effects on alpha-PKC after carrier-mediated uptake into liver cells or by interaction with extracellular/membraneous structures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Human hepatoblastoma HepG2 cells lacking Ntcp were stably transfected with pcDNA3.1/Ntcp or sham-transfected with pcDNA3.1 [+]. Distribution of alpha-PKC was studied using a Western blotting technique. Uptake of [(3)H]taurocholic acid (TCA) was determined radiochemically.

RESULTS

[(3)H]taurocholic acid uptake was approximately 180-fold higher in Ntcp-transfected than in sham-transfected cells. Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (1 micromol L(-1); positive control) increased membrane binding of alpha-PKC by 34% in Ntcp-transfected and by 37% in sham-transfected cells. Tauroursodeoxycholic acid (10 micromol L(-1)) increased membrane-associated alpha-PKC by 19% in Ntcp-transfected, but not in sham-transfected cells (-13%). Taurocholic acid (10 micromol L(-1)) did not affect the distribution of alpha-PKC.

CONCLUSION

Carrier-mediated uptake is a prerequisite for TUDCA-induced translocation of alpha-PKC to hepatocellular membranes.

Bile acids induce calcium signals in mouse pancreatic acinar cells: implications for bile-induced pancreatic pathology

The effect of the natural bile acid, taurolithocholic acid 3-sulfate (TLC-S), on calcium signalling in pancreatic acinar cells has been investigated. TLC-S induced global calcium oscillations and extended calcium transients as well as calcium signals localised to the secretory granule (apical) region of acinar cells. These calcium signals could still be triggered by TLC-S in a calcium-free external solution. TLC-S-induced calcium signals were not inhibited by atropine, but were abolished by caffeine or by depletion of calcium stores, due to prolonged application of ACh. Global calcium signals, produced by TLC-S application, displayed vectorial apical-to-basal polarity. The signals originated in the apical part and were then propagated to the basal region. Other natural bile acids, taurocholate (TC) and taurodeoxycholate (TDC), were also able to produce local and global calcium oscillations (but at higher concentrations than TLC-S). Bile, which can enter pancreas by reflux, has been implicated in the pathology of acute pancreatitis. The calcium releasing properties of bile acids suggest that calcium toxicity could be an important contributing factor in the bile acid-induced cellular damage.

Hepatobiliary transport

The alterations of hepatobiliary transport that occur in cholestasis can be divided into primary defects, such as mutations of transporter genes or acquired dysfunctions of transport systems that cause defective canalicular or cholangiocellular secretion, and secondary defects, which result from biliary obstruction. The dysfunction of distinct biliary transport systems as a primary cause of cholestasis is exemplified by the genetic defects in progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis or by the direct inhibition of transporter gene expression by cytokines. In both, the hepatocellular accumulation of toxic cholephilic compounds causes multiple alterations of hepatocellular transporter expression. In addition, lack of specific components of bile caused by a defective transporter, as in the case of mdr2/MDR3 deficiency, unmasks the toxic potential of other components. The production of bile is critically dependent upon the coordinated regulation and function of sinusoidal and canalicular transporters, for instance of Na+-taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP) and bile salt export pump (BSEP). Whereas the downregulation of the unidirectional sinusoidal uptake system NTCP protects the hepatocyte from further intracellular accumulation of bile salts, the relative preservation of canalicular BSEP expression serves to uphold bile salt secretion, even in complete biliary obstruction. Conversely, the strong downregulation of canalicular MRP2 (MRP, multidrug resistance protein) in cholestasis forces the hepatocyte to upregulate basolateral efflux systems such as MRP3 and MRP1, indicating an inverse regulation of basolateral and apical transporters The regulation of hepatocellular transporters in cholestasis adheres to the law of parsimony, since many of the cellular mechanisms are pivotally governed by the effect of bile salts. The discovery that bile salts are the natural ligand of the farnesoid X receptor has shown us how the major bile component is able to regulate its own enterohepatic circulation by affecting transcription of the genes critically involved in transport and metabolism.

Modulation of protein kinase C by taurolithocholic acid in isolated rat hepatocytes

The protein kinase C (PKC) family of isoenzymes plays a key role in the regulation of hepatocellular secretion. The hydrophobic and cholestatic bile acid, taurolithocholic acid (TLCA), acts as a potent Ca++ agonist in isolated hepatocytes. However, its effect on PKC isoforms has not been elucidated. Here we investigate the effects of TLCA at low micromolar concentrations on the distribution of PKC isoforms and on membrane-associated PKC activity. The distribution of PKC isoforms was determined in isolated rat hepatocytes in short-term culture using Western blotting and immunofluorescence techniques. PKC activity was measured radiochemically. TLCA (10 micromol/L) induced selective translocation of epsilon-PKC by 47.9% +/- 20.5% (P <.02 vs. controls; n = 7), but not of alpha-, delta-, and zeta-PKC to the hepatocellular membranes, whereas the phorbol ester, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) (1 micromol/L) caused translocation of all mobile isoforms, alpha-, delta-, and epsilon-PKC, as shown by immunoblotting. Immunofluorescence studies demonstrated selective translocation of epsilon-PKC to the canalicular membranes of isolated rat hepatocyte couplets by TLCA (10 micromol/L), but predominant translocation to intracellular and basolateral membranes by PMA (1 micromol/L). Both TLCA (10 micromol/L) and PMA (1 micromol/L) stimulated membrane-bound PKC activity by 60.5% +/- 45. 8% (P <.05 vs. controls; n = 5) and 72.4% +/- 37.2% (P <.05; n = 5), respectively. TLCA at lower concentrations (5 micromol/L) was less effective. Because activation of epsilon-PKC has been associated with impairment of vesicle-mediated targeting and insertion of membrane proteins in secretory cells, it is attractive to speculate that TLCA reduces bile secretory capacity of the liver cell by activation of epsilon-PKC at the canalicular membrane.

Role of calcium in adaptive cytoprotection and cell injury induced by deoxycholate in human gastric cells

We have developed an in vitro model of adaptive cytoprotection induced by deoxycholate (DC) in human gastric cells and have shown that pretreatment with a low concentration of DC (mild irritant, 50 microM) significantly attenuates injury induced by a damaging concentration of DC (250 microM). This study was undertaken to assess the effect of the mild irritant on changes in intracellular Ca2+ and to determine if these perturbations account for its protective action. Protection conferred by the mild irritant was lost when any of its effects on intracellular Ca2+ were prevented: internal Ca2+ store release via phospholipase C and inositol 1,4, 5-trisphosphate sustained Ca2+ influx through store-operated Ca2+ channels or eventual Ca2+ efflux. We also investigated the relationship between Ca2+ accumulation and cellular injury induced by damaging concentrations of DC. In cells exposed to high concentrations of DC, sustained Ca2+ accumulation as a result of extracellular Ca2+ influx, but not transient changes in intracellular Ca2+ content, appeared to precede and induce cellular injury. We propose that the mild irritant disrupts normal Ca2+ homeostasis and that this perturbation elicits a cellular response (involving active Ca2+ efflux) that subsequently provides a protective action by limiting the magnitude of intracellular Ca2+ accumulation.

Bile salts stimulate mucin secretion by cultured dog gallbladder epithelial cells independent of their detergent effect

1. Bile salts stimulate mucin secretion by the gallbladder epithelium. We have investigated whether this stimulatory effect is due to a detergent effect of bile salts. 2. The bile salts taurocholic acid (TC) and tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDC) and the detergents Triton X-100 (12.5-400 microM) and Tween-20 (0.1-3.2 mM) were applied to monolayers of cultured dog gallbladder epithelial cells. Mucin secretion was studied by measuring the secretion of [3H]N-acetyl-d-glucosamine-labelled glycoproteins. We also attempted to alter the fluidity of the apical membrane of the cells through extraction of cholesterol with beta-cyclodextrin (2.5-15 mM). The effect on TUDC-induced mucin secretion was studied. Cell viability was assessed by measuring lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage or 51Cr release. 3. In contrast with the bile salts, the detergents were not able to cause an increase in mucin secretion without causing concomitant cell lysis. Concentrations of detergent that increased mucin release (>100 microM Triton X-100, >0.8 mM Tween-20), caused increased LDH release. Incubation with beta-cyclodextrin resulted in effective extraction of cholesterol without causing an increase in 51Cr release. However, no effect of the presumed altered membrane fluidity on TUDC (10 mM)-induced mucin secretion was observed. 4. The stimulatory effect of bile salts on mucin secretion by gallbladder epithelial cells is not affected by the fluidity of the apical membrane of the cells and also cannot be mimicked by other detergents. We conclude that the ability of bile salts to cause mucin secretion by the gallbladder epithelium is not determined by their detergent properties.

3':5'-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) potentiates the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-evoked Ca2+ release in guinea-pig hepatocytes

The effect of cGMP on noradrenaline-induced intracellular Ca2+ mobilization was investigated in whole-cell voltage-clamped guinea-pig hepatocytes. Treatment of the cells with 8-Br-cGMP (1-500 microM) resulted in an increase in the sensitivity of the cells to noradrenaline and to inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3) photo-released from caged InsP3. The positive effect of 8-Br-cGMP on the Ca2+ release evoked by Ca(2+)-mobilizing agonists or InsP3 was blocked by a protein kinase G (PKG; cGMP-dependent protein kinase) inhibitor, the RP-8-(4-chlorophenylthio)guanosine 3':5'-monophosphorothioate. 8-Br-cGMP affected neither the basal InsP3 concentration nor the noradrenaline-induced production of InsP3. In permeabilized hepatocytes, the dose-response curve for InsP3-induced Ca2+ release was shifted to the left in the presence of 8-Br-cGMP. Furthermore, the treatment with 8-Br-cGMP did not affect the Ca2+ content of the InsP3-sensitive Ca2+ stores. These results indicate that intracellular cGMP potentiates the noradrenaline-induced Ca2+ response by enhancing Ca2+ release from the intracellular Ca2+ stores. We suggest that cGMP increases the apparent affinity of InsP3 receptors for InsP3 in guinea-pig hepatocytes probably by phosphorylation via the activation of PKG.

Taurocholate-stimulated leukotriene C4 biosynthesis and leukotriene C4-stimulated choleresis in isolated rat liver

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Cysteinyl-containing leukotrienes seem to exert a cholestatic effect. However, leukotriene inhibitors were found to reduce bile salt efflux in isolated rat hepatocytes, suggesting a role for leukotrienes in bile flow formation.

METHODS

In the isolated rat liver, the effects of two different concentrations of leukotriene C4 on bile flow and bile salt excretion are analyzed, as well as the possible effect of taurocholate on the hepatic production of cysteinyl-containing leukotrienes.

RESULTS

Leukotriene C4 (0.25 fmol) increased bile salt excretion (+22.2%; P < 0.05), whereas a much higher dose (0.25 x 10(6) fmol) showed the known cholestatic effect, reducing bile salt excretion (-25.9%; P < 0.01). These dose-dependent biphasic effects were specific because they could be prevented by the simultaneous administration of cysteinyl-containing leukotriene antagonists. On the other hand, taurocholate administration induced a dose-dependent increase in biliary excretion of cysteinyl-containing leukotrienes. Furthermore, taurocholate increased messenger RNA levels of 5-lipoxygenase, a key enzyme in leukotriene biosynthesis. Taurocholate increase of hepatocyte intracellular calcium was not significant, suggesting that taurocholate effects are not mediated by stimulation of calcium metabolism.

CONCLUSIONS

These results constitute evidence for the existence of a positive feedback mechanism by which bile salts stimulate the synthesis of leukotrienes that, in turn, stimulate bile salt excretion.

The synergistic action (cross-talk) of glucagon and vasopressin induces early bile flow and plasma-membrane calcium fluxes in the perfused rat liver

A study was made of the initial responses of perfusate Ca2+ fluxes and bile flow to Ca(2+)-mobilizing agonists, following refinements to the methods for analysing these parameters in the perfused rat liver. Net Ca2+ efflux induced by vasopressin commences at 15 s, reaches a maximal rate at 35 s and declines to zero by 55 s, when Ca2+ influx commences. Vasopressin-induced increases in bile flow commence by 20 s, attain a maximal rate by 35 s and begin to decline at 50 s, to reach basal values by 90 s. Concomitant administration of glucagon modifies each of these actions of vasopressin in the following ways: it decreases by 5 s the time of onset of net Ca2+ efflux, and the time and magnitude of such efflux, and the time of onset of bile flow is decreased to 15 s, and the flow reaches maximal rates by 30 s. When the alpha 1-adrenergic agonist phenylephrine is used in place of vasopressin, Ca2+ efflux commences at 17-18 s and is greater in magnitude; little bile flow is induced by this agonist. Glucagon modifies the action of phenylephrine in the following ways: the onset of Ca2+ efflux is brought forward by 2-3 s, it is of lower magnitude and Ca2+ influx begins by 45 s; bile flow commences by 15-20 s, and reaches a maximum at 30 s, where the rate is much greater than in the absence of glucagon; this rate gradually declines to be near basal by 80 s. The onset of agonist-induced oxygen uptake was also brought forward by the co-administration of glucagon. Comparison of agonist-induced plasma-membrane Ca2+ fluxes and bile flow (with or without glucagon administration) suggests that correlations can be made between net Ca2+ fluxes and the transient increases seen in bile flow.

Bile salts determine leukotriene B4 synthesis in a human intestinal cell line (CaCo-2)

The ability of a human colonic epithelial cell line (CaCo-2) to synthesize leukotriene B4 (LTB4) in response to bile salt stimulation was examined, as was the dependency of such stimulation on the hydrophobic-hydrophilic balance of the bile salts. We demonstrate for the first time in this human intestinal epithelial cell line the ability of bile salts to stimulate synthesis of LTB4. CaCo-2 cell monolayers were incubated with a series of bile salts ranging in concentration from 0.5 microM to 1 mM. This resulted in a dose- and hydrophobicity-dependent increase in LTB4 synthesis. Hydrophobic bile salts (glycine and taurine conjugates of lithocholate and deoxycholate) caused LTB4 synthesis to be stimulated 27% and 35%, respectively, above control levels. In contrast, hydrophilic bile salts (glycine and taurine conjugates of ursodeoxycholate) increased LTB4 synthesis only 11.2% and 16.1%. Under basal conditions pretreatment with dexamethasone significantly inhibited bile salt-induced LTB4 synthesis by 38% compared to control. With more hydrophobic bile salts, chenodeoxycholate and deoxycholate, dexamethasone inhibited LTB4 synthesis to levels significantly below those observed with dexamethasone under basal conditions. Unlike A23187 calcium ionophore-induced LTB4 synthesis, bile salt-induced stimulation of LTB4 synthesis was not found to be dependent on the presence of extracellular calcium. Variations in bile salt stimulation of LTB4 by intestinal epithelial cells could be important in modulating cellular responses. The synthesis of chemotactic factors, such as LTB4, by the human colonic adenocarcinoma epithelial cell line now needs to be extended to normal human intestinal epithelium, as it may play a role in many of the functional disturbances which characterize intestinal inflammatory conditions.

Ursodeoxycholic acid therapy in primary biliary cirrhosis

In a total of 1004 patients in 11 controlled trials, treatment with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) 8-15 mg/kg bodyweight per day led to a decrease of pruritus in 30-60% of cases, a decrease in aminotransferases and cholestasis-indicating enzymes in serum by 20-80%, and a decrease of serum bilirubin by 3-40%. A statistically significant improvement in liver histology was found in only two of these studies; in three others there was a positive trend. In three more trials histology was not examined, and in three studies there was no improvement. In the four studies investigating the time elapsed before liver transplantation and the number of deaths, only one definitely found that this was prolonged by UDCA, although in two of the other three there was a positive trend. During treatment, UDCA constitutes 30-50% of the total bile acids in bile and serum; however, its influence on the toxic bile acids is debatable. Cholic acid decreases, but deoxycholic acid and chenodeoxycholic acid are reduced to a lesser degree. UDCA therapy has now been practiced for 12 years and all authors consider the treatment to be safe, but the mode of action of UDCA is still unknown.

Bile acid-dependent vesicular transport of lysosomal enzymes into bile in the rat

BACKGROUND

Bile acids may stimulate the movement of hepatocyte vesicles and enhance their fusion with the biliary canaliculus. The present study examined the effects of various bile acids on the exocytosis of the contents of hepatocyte lysosomes into the biliary canaliculus.

METHODS

The effects of various bile acids on hepatocyte lysosome movement and on exocytosis of the contents of hepatocyte lysosomes into the biliary canaliculus were determined from the distribution of fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran--labeled lysosomes in hepatocyte couplets and by quantitating biliary lysosomal enzyme output in rats.

RESULTS

Hydrophobic as well as hydrophilic and nonmicellar bile acids were found to stimulate to a similar degree the output of lysosomal enzymes into bile, indicating that bile acid-induced change of canalicular or lysosomal membrane fluidity is not responsible for enhanced exocytosis. The taurocholate-dependent increase in lysosomal enzyme excretion was completely blocked by either microtubule or microfilament inhibition, suggesting that these subcellular structures are involved in bile acid-dependent vesicular transport. Fluorescent microscopy studies showed that taurocholate causes a microtubule-dependent translocation of lysosomes towards the canaliculus in hepatocyte couplets, which occurred at the same time as increased output of lysosomal enzymes into bile.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that bile acids modulate vesicle traffic towards the canaliculus by a mechanism unrelated to bile acid interaction with the vesicle membrane.

Effect of bile acids on intracellular calcium in isolated rat hepatocyte couplets

The effects of bile acids on cytosolic free calcium ([Ca2+]i) were studied in single isolated rat hepatocyte couplets using a scanning laser cytometer and the fluorescent dye, indo-1. Cholestatic bile acids, chenodeoxycholate (CDC) and taurolithocholate (TLC) increased [Ca2+]i in a dose-dependent manner. Choleretic bile acids, tauroursodeoxycholate (TUDC) and taurocholate (TC), did not induce any change in [Ca2+]i except TC at very high doses. Treatment with TUDC added concomitantly with CDC or TLC significantly decreased the rise in [Ca2+]i induced by bile acids. These results, obtained with a polarized hepatocyte model that secretes bile, confirmed that cholestatic bile acids increase [Ca2+]i and showed that TUDC inhibits this phenomenon. These data are in agreement with a key role of intracellular calcium in cholestasis.

Oscillations of cytosolic free calcium concentration in the presence of intracellular antibodies to phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate in voltage-clamped guinea-pig hepatocytes

In liver cells, the stimulation of alpha 1-adrenoceptors by noradrenaline induces the production of Ins(1,4,5)P3 through the degradation of membrane polyphosphoinositides [PtdIns(4,5)P2]. InsP3 evokes in turn the release of Ca2+ from internal stores. Our results show that the internal perfusion of single guinea-pig hepatocytes with monoclonal anti-PtdInsP2 antibody blocks the rise in cytosolic free Ca2+ concn. ([Ca2+]i) evoked by noradrenaline, an InsP3-dependent agonist, but not by the monohydroxylated bile acid taurolithocholate 3-sulphate, which is known to permeabilize the endoplasmic reticulum. In these conditions, the bile acid elicited either fast or slow fluctuations of [Ca2+]i independently of any InsP3 production. The responses to the bile acid were also observed in the absence of external Ca2+. The presence of intracellular anti-PtdInsP2 antibody does not affect the response to a photolytic release of InsP3 (1.5 microM final concn.) from a caged precursor.

Taurolithocholate-induced Ca2+ release is inhibited by phorbol esters in isolated hepatocytes

The monohydroxy bile acid taurolithocholate (TLC) causes a rapid and transient increase in free cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in suspensions of rat hepatocytes similar to that elicited by the InsP3-dependent hormone vasopressin. The effect of the bile acid is due to a mobilization of Ca2+, independent of InsP3, from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Short-term preincubation of cells with the phorbol ester 4 beta-phorbol 12 beta-myristate 13 alpha-acetate (PMA), which activates protein kinase C (PKC), blocked the increase in [Ca2+]i induced by TLC, but did not alter that mediated by vasopressin. We obtained the following results, indicating that the effect of PMA is mediated by the activation of PKC. (1) Phorbol esters were effective over a concentration range where they activate PKC (IC50 = 0.5 nM); (2) phorbol esters that do not activate PKC did not inhibit the effects of TLC; (3) the permeant analogue oleoylacetylglycerol mimicked the inhibitory effect of PMA; (4) lastly, the inhibition of the TLC-induced Ca2+ mobilization by phorbol esters was partially prevented by preincubating the cells with the PKC inhibitors H7 and AMG-C16. Preincubating hepatocytes with PMA had no effect on the cell uptake of labelled TLC, indicating that the phorbol ester does not interfere with the transport system responsible for the accumulation of bile acids. In saponin-treated liver cells, PMA added before or after permeabilization failed to abolish TLC-induced Ca2+ release from the ER. The possibility is discussed that PMA, via PKC activation, may alter the intracellular binding or the transfer of bile acids in the liver.

Tight junction permeability and liver plasma membrane fluidity in lithocholate-induced cholestasis

The present study correlated the reversibility of bile flow (BF) impairment with biochemical and morphological changes in the liver after injection of a cholestatic dose (12 mumole/100 g body weight) of lithocholic acid (LCA). BF declined maximally at 60 min but recovered totally at 210 min after LCA treatment. During the cholestatic period, there was an increase in tight junction permeability as measured by the bile to plasma (B/P) ratio of inulin and using lanthanum as a tracer. Cholesterol content and the cholesterol/phospholipid ratio in liver plasma membranes (LPM) were augmented while the fluidity of bile canalicular membranes (BCM) was decreased at 30 and 60 min after LCA injection. These changes in cholesterol content and membrane fluidity seemed to be correlated with LCA incorporation in LPM; their reversal at 120 min preceded the recovery of BF (210 min). Some biochemical disorders were evident after LCA injection, but they did not correlate with the variation in BF. These data suggest that increased tight junction permeability and decreased BCM fluidity are important pathogenic steps in LCA-induced cholestasis.

Do intracellular Ca2+ activity and hepatic glutathione play a role in the pathogenesis of lithocholic acid-induced cholestasis?

The possible relevance of alterations in intracellular Ca2+ and hepatic glutathione levels (GSH) in the pathogenesis of cholestasis induced by lithocholic acid (LCA) was examined by comparing effects of LCA and acetaminophen on these parameters and bile flow (BF) in rats. Intracellular Ca2+ activity was measured via glycogen phosphorylase a determination in rats given an intravenous bolus injection of either LCA (12 mumol/100 g body wt.), acetaminophen (60 mg/100 g body wt.), or a mixed solution of LCA and acetaminophen. BF was reduced immediately after LCA administration, with a maximum decrease occurring at 60 min followed by an increase to normal values at 210 min. On the other hand, glycogen phosphorylase a activity was elevated during all time periods after LCA treatment. Hepatic glutathione followed the BF curves being markedly depleted at the peak of cholestasis (60 min) and normal in the total recovery period (210 min). In contrast, acetaminophen had no effect on BF but significantly increased glycogen phosphorylase a activity and depleted hepatic glutathione levels. These results suggest that cholestatic effect of LCA is not due to changes in intracellular Ca2+ or hepatic glutathione levels.

Acute effects of cholestatic and choleretic bile salts on vasopressin- and glucagon-induced hepato-biliary calcium fluxes in the perfused rat liver

The effects were investigated of the choleretic bile salt glycoursodeoxycholate (G-UDCA) and of the cholestatic bile salt taurochenodeoxycholate (T-CDCA) on changes in perfusate Ca2+, glucose and oxygen and in bile calcium and bile flow induced by the administration of (a) vasopressin, (b) glucagon and (c) glucagon plus vasopressin together to the perfused rat liver [Hamada, Karjalainen, Setchell, Millard & Bygrave (1992) Biochem. J. 281, 387-392]. G-UDCA itself increased the secretion of calcium in the bile several-fold, but its principal effect was to augment each of the above-mentioned metabolic events except glucose and oxygen output; particularly noteworthy was its ability to augment the 'transients' in bile calcium and bile flow seen immediately after the administration of vasopressin with or without glucagon. T-CDCA, by contrast, produced opposite effects and attenuated all of the parameters measured, and in particular the transients in bile calcium and bile flow. The data provide evidence of a strong correlation between calcium fluxes occurring on both the sinusoidal and the bile-canalicular membranes and that all are modifiable by glucagon, Ca(2+)-mobilizing hormones and bile salts.

Rapid decrease in the expression of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase protein owing to inhibition of its rate of synthesis after Ca2+ mobilization in rat hepatocytes. Inability of taurolithocholate to mimic the effect

The mechanisms through which Ca2+ mobilization in rat hepatocytes results in the loss of total activity of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase [Zammit & Caldwell (1990) Biochem. J. 269, 373-379] were investigated. The loss of total activity was shown to be paralleled by an equal loss of immunoreactive HMG-CoA reductase protein after exposure of hepatocytes to optimal concentrations of vasopressin plus glucagon for 40 min. This loss of enzyme protein was due to an inhibition of enzyme synthesis; the rate of degradation was unaffected. Other Ca(2+)-mobilizing conditions (phenylephrine, glucagon, vasopressin added singly and A23187) also resulted in graded inhibition of synthesis of HMG-CoA reductase. These effects were accentuated by omission of Ca2+ from the cell incubation medium, suggesting that it is the depletion of an intracellular InsP3-sensitive pool of Ca2+ to which synthesis of HMG-CoA reductase is sensitive. In agreement with this we found that t-butylhydroxybenzoquinone, which inhibits the activity of the Ca(2+)-ATPase of the endoplasmic-reticular membrane, mimicked the action of Ca(2+)-mobilizing hormones. However, taurolithocholate, which transiently mobilizes Ca2+ from the same pool, was ineffective. All these effects on HMG-CoA reductase were accompanied by parallel inhibition of 35S incorporation from [35S]methionine into total protein, suggesting that inhibition of reductase synthesis formed part of a generalized response of the hepatocyte to Ca2+ mobilization. Inhibition of the rate of synthesis of HMG-CoA reductase was, however, more responsive to Ca2+ mobilization in the absence of added Ca2+ from the extracellular medium. The concentrations of vasopressin required to elicit the inhibition of synthesis of HMG-CoA reductase were of the same order as those that elicited activation of glycogen phosphorylase in hepatocytes.

Effects of taurolithocholate, a Ca2(+)-mobilizing agent, on cell Ca2(+) in rat hepatocytes, human platelets and neuroblastoma NG108-15 cell line

The monohydroxy bile acid taurolithocholate permeabilizes the endoplasmic reticulum to Ca2+ in rat liver cells. To assess whether this action on the endoplasmic reticulum was restricted to this tissue, the effects of bile acid were investigated in two cell types quite unrelated to rat hepatocyte, namely human platelets and neuronal NG108-15 cell line. The results showed that taurolithocholate (3-100 microM) had no effect on free cytosolic [Ca2+] in human platelets and NG108-15 cells. whereas it increased it from 180 to 520 nM in rat hepatocytes. In contrast, in cells permeabilized by saponin, taurolithocholate initiated a profound release of the stored Ca2+ from the internal Ca2+ pools in the three cell types. The bile acid released 90% of the Ca2+ pools, with rate constants of about 5 min-1 and half-maximal effects at 15-30 microM. The results also showed that, in contrast with liver cells, which displayed an influx of [14C]taurolithocholate of 2 nmol/min per mg, human platelets and the neuronal cell line appeared to be resistant to [14C]taurolithocholate uptake. The influx measured in these latter cells was about 100-fold lower than in rat liver cells. Taken together, these data suggest that human platelets and NG108-15 cells do not possess the transport system for concentrating monohydroxy bile acids into cells. However, they show that human platelets and neuronal NG108-15 possess, in common with liver cells, the intracellular system responsible for taurolithocholate-mediated Ca2+ release from internal stores.