Myosin in hepatocytes is essential for bile canalicular contraction

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
ABSTRACT— Active dynamic contraction of bile canaliculi has been observed in cultured doublet hepatocytes using time‐lapse cinephotomicrography. This contractile movement plays an important role in normal bile formation. The mechanism of bile canalicular contraction has been proved to involve the Ca2+‐calmodulin system and pericanalicular actin filaments. However, the role of myosin in this system is still unknown. In this study, using the newly synthesized myosin light‐chain kinase inhibitor ML‐9, we found that the treatment of cultured doublet hepatocytes with ML‐9 inhibited canalicular contraction. This inhibitory effect suggests that myosin is involved in this complex cellular function and that the integrity of the actin‐myosin system, as well as the Ca2a‐calmodulin system is essential for normal bile canalicular contraction.