Wilson disease gene product (ATP7B) functions in copper incorporation to ceruloplasmin (Cp) and biliary copper excretion. Our previous study showed the late endosome localization of ATP7B and described the copper transport pathway from the

late endosome to trans-Golgi network (TGN). However, the cellular localization of ATP7B and copper metabolism in hepatocytes remains controversial. The present study was performed to evaluate the role of Niemann–Pick type C (NPC) gene product NPC1 on intracellular copper transport in hepatocytes. Methods:  We induced the NPC phenotype using U18666A to modulate the vesicle traffic from the late endosome to TGN. Then, this website we examined the effect of NPC1 overexpression on the localization of ATP7B and secretion of holo-Cp, a copper-binding mature form of Cp. Results:  Overexpression of NPC1 increased holo-Cp secretion to culture medium of U18666A-treated cells, but did not affect the secretion of albumin. Manipulation of NPC1

function affected the localization of ATP7B and late endosome markers, but did not change the localization of a TGN marker. ATP7B co-localized with the late endosome markers, but not with the TGN marker. Conclusion:  These findings suggest that ATP7B localizes buy Opaganib in the late endosomes and that copper in the late endosomes is transported to the secretory compartment via an NPC1-dependent pathway and incorporated into Cp. “
“Background and Aim:  Small-for-size grafts are prone to mechanical injury and a series of chemical injuries that are related to hemodynamic force. Hepatic stellate cells activate and trans-differentiate into contractile myofibroblast-like cells during liver injury. However, the role of hepatic

stellate cells on sinusoidal microcirculation is unknown with small-for-size grafts. Methods:  Thirty-five percent of small-for-size liver transplantation was performed with rats as donors and recipients. Endothelin-1 levels as well as hepatic stellate cells activation-related protein expression, endothelin-1 receptors, almost and ultrastructural changes were examined. The cellular localizations of two types of endothelin-1 receptors were detected. Furthermore, liver function and sinusoidal microcirculation were analyzed using two different selective antagonists of endothelin-1 receptor. Results:  Intragraft expression of hepatic stellate cells activation-related protein such as desmin, crystallin-B and smooth muscle α-actin was upregulated as well as serum endothelin-1 levels and intragraft expression of the two endothelin receptors. The antagonist to endothelin-1 A receptor not to the endothelin-1 B receptor could attenuate microcirculatory disturbance and improve liver function.