The Role of Bile Acids and Nitric Oxide in Apoptosis of Liver Cells

Introduction: Retention and accumulation of hydrophobic bile acids (BAs) may cause liver toxicity by inducing apoptosis via yet unknown pathways. It was also shown that hydrophobic BAs could induce nitric oxide (NO) production in isolated rat hepatocytes and mitochondria. NO is discussed as one mediator of apoptosis. GOAL: The present study was directed to investigate effects of BAs in liver tissue by means of precision-cut tissue slices (PCTS) in regard to apoptosis and NO production. Methods: PCTS were prepared from porcine livers using Brendel Vitron Tissue Slicer, then incubated submersed in supplemented RPM…