The defects of cholangiocyte primary cilia in patients with graft cholangiopathies

To observe the morphologic changes in intrahepatic bile ducts and the defects of cholangiocyte primary cilia in patients with graft cholangiopathies.

Four patients who were diagnosed as graft cholangiopathies and underwent retransplantation were chosen as the study group; another four patients who underwent liver transplantation during the same period and recovered normally six months after the operation were the control group. The serum levels of biochemical indicators were measured, the morphologic changes in intrahepatic bile ducts and cholangiocyte primary cilia were observed, and the ciliary marker (α-tubulin) and membrane proteins (polycystin-1, TPPV4) were detected by immunofluorescence analysis and Western blot.

In the study group, biliary structures were vague and some bile ducts disappeared in portal areas; some epithelial cells were lost; lots of collagen was deposited and many phlogocytes infiltrated; microliths were found in some ductal lumens; partial biliary epithelial cells were necrosed; primary cilia and microvilli disappeared. In the control group, the structures of intrahepatic bile ducts and biliary epithelial cells were integrated and the primary cilia were present.

The morphologic changes in biliary epithelial cells and the defects of cholangiocyte primary cilia have a close correlation with graft cholangiopathies in liver transplantation.