Studies on the action mechanism of cholestatic factor: The effect of colchicine on intrahepatic cholestasis induced by cholestatic factor

Abstract

The cholestatic factor, a kind of lymphokines, was produced from the lymphnode cells of tuberculine-sensitized guinea pigs by stimulation with the purified protein derivatives (PPD) in vitro. When this lymphokine (which induces microfilament dysfunction) was injected into the mesenteric vein of a normal rat, a marked reduction of bile flow was induced. Colchicine (a microtubular blocking agent) alone did not affect the bile flow. However, colchicine in combination with cholestatic factor resulted in a greater reduction in bile flow than that seen with cholestatic factor alone. These results support the hypothesis that the "microtubularmicrofilamentous system" is necessary for hepatic bile formation and also suggest that the dysfunction of this system induced by cholestaic factor can produce intrahepatic cholestasis.