Abstract
This study was done to elucidate the role of local immune system of the bile duct ongallstone formation. Secretory IgA and secretory component (SC) in the resected hepatic tissuesfrom 18 patients with hepatolithiasis were studied by immunohistochemical stains. At the sametime, IgA and IgG concentrations in the intrahepatic or common bile duct bile samples obtainedduring the operations or FTC drainage were measured by single radial immunodiffusion assay.Biological activity of S-IgA was also examined. Immunohistologically, S-IgA and SC were apparentlyobserved in the epithelium of the intrahepatic bile duct and its periductal glands, evenmore in immature concrement around the stones. Levels of IgA in the bile specimens in casesof intrahepatic or common bile duct stones were higher than those of cases without biliary tractdisease. These findings indicate that local immunological response which was accelerated inpatients with intrahepatic and common bile duct stones plays an important role in the growthof calciumbilirubinate stones.
