Regulation of Plasma Membrane Localization of the Na+-taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (Ntcp) by Hyperosmolarity and Tauroursodeoxycholate

Introduction: In perfused rat liver, hepatocyte shrinkage induces a Fyn-dependent retrieval of the bile salt export pump (Bsep) and multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (Mrp2) from the canalicular membrane leading to cholestasis. However little is known about the effects of hyperosmolarity on short-term regulation of the Na+-taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (Ntcp), the major bile salt uptake system at the sinusoidal membrane of hepatocytes. The aim of this study was to analyze hyperosmotic Ntcp regulation and the underlying signaling events. Methods: Rat livers were perfused with either normo- or hyp…