In Vitro Assay System to Detect Drug-Induced Bile Acid-Dependent Cytotoxicity Using Hepatocytes

Inhibition of bile acid excretion by drugs is a significant factor in the development of drug-induced cholestatic liver injury. We constructed a new in vitro assay system to detect bile acid-dependent cytotoxicity in hepatocytes. This cell-based system can assess the toxicity of the parent compound, as well as the contribution of metabolite(s). In addition, this system can utilize several types of hepatocytes (primary hepatocytes, hepatoma cell line, and induced pluripotent stem cell-induced hepatocytes). In this chapter, a method to detect drug-induced bile acid-dependent toxicity in hepatocytes is described.