Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 15, 2025

Inducing and Characterizing Vesicular Steatosis in Differentiated HepaRG Cells
Published on: July 18, 2019
Steatosis Alters the Activity of Hepatocyte Membrane Transporters in Obese Rats
Catherine M Pastor1,2, Valérie Vilgrain2,3
1Department of Radiology, University Hospital of Geneva, 1205, Geneva, Switzerland.
Abstract:
Fat accumulation (steatosis) in ballooned hepatocytes alters the expression of membrane transporters in Zucker fatty (fa/fa) rats. The aim of the study was to quantify the functions of these transporters and their impact on hepatocyte concentrations using a clinical hepatobiliary contrast agent (Gadobenate dimeglumine, BOPTA) for liver imaging. In isolated and perfused rat livers, we quantified BOPTA accumulation and decay profiles in fa/+ (normal) and fa/fa hepatocytes by placing a gamma counter over livers. Profiles of BOPTA accumulation and decay in hepatocytes were analysed with nonlinear regressions to characterise BOPTA influx and efflux across hepatocyte transporters. At the end of the accumulation period, BOPTA hepatocyte concentrations and influx clearances were not significantly different in fa/+ and fa/fa livers. In contrast, bile clearance was significantly lower in fatty hepatocytes while efflux clearance back to sinusoids compensated the low efflux into canaliculi. The time when BOPTA cellular efflux impacts the accumulation profile of hepatocyte concentrations was slightly delayed (2 min) by steatosis, anticipating a delayed emptying of hepatocytes. The experimental model is useful for quantifying the functions of hepatocyte transporters in liver diseases.
More Related Videos
08:35A Model of Experimental Steatosis In Vitro: Hepatocyte Cell Culture in Lipid Overload-Conditioned Medium
Published on: May 18, 2021
07:03Author Spotlight: Establishing MASLD Cell Models for Investigating Disease Mechanisms and the Lipid-Lowering Effects of Koumiss
Published on: July 19, 2024
Related Concept Videos
Pharmacokinetics in Obese Patients: Drug Metabolism and Excretion
Pharmacokinetics in Obese Patients: Drug Absorption and Distribution
Drug Dosing: Obese Patients
Overview of Lipid Metabolism
Lipolysis: The Breakdown of Lipids:
Lipolysis is the process of breaking down lipids, particularly triglycerides, into glycerol and fatty acids. This process typically occurs in the adipose tissue and is triggered by various hormones, including glucagon and...
Obesity
Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation
Considering cholesterol and...