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Bile canalicular alkaline phosphatase and disease
Acta Pathologica Et Microbiologica Scandinavica. Section A, Pathology
|May 1, 1976
Summary
Alkaline phosphatase was unexpectedly found in human bile canaliculi in 79 patients. Associated conditions included tumors, collagen diseases, bile duct obstruction, and alpha-1-antitrypsin variants, but no single cause was identified.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology
- Biochemistry
- Pathology
Background:
- Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is typically absent in normal human bile canaliculi.
- The presence of ALP in bile canaliculi is an unusual finding requiring investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify potential common causal factors for the presence of alkaline phosphatase in human bile canaliculi.
- To investigate the clinical and pathological associations in patients exhibiting this phenomenon.
Main Methods:
- Examination of 79 patients with alkaline phosphatase in bile canaliculi.
- Detailed clinical and laboratory evaluation of 37 autopsied patients.
- Analysis of associated conditions including malignant tumors, collagen diseases, bile duct obstruction, and genetic variants.
Main Results:
- The alkaline phosphatase reaction was observed in the bile canaliculi of 79 patients.
- Frequently associated conditions included malignant tumors (with or without liver involvement), collagen diseases, chronic partial common bile duct obstruction, and alpha-1-antitrypsin genetic variants.
- No single clinical or laboratory finding was universally present across all affected patients.
Conclusions:
- The presence of alkaline phosphatase in bile canaliculi is linked to several serious medical conditions.
- Despite associations, a singular unifying cause for this finding remains elusive.
- Further research may be needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms and implications.