Hepatic adenine nucleotides and microsomal cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase activity in the obstructed and freely draining lobes of the liver after selective bile duct obstruction

Background The effect of selective bile duct obstruction (SBDO) on hepatic reserve function of the bile duct obstructed (BDO) and nonobstructed freely draining (FD) lobes of the liver is obscure. Methods The bile duct branches draining from the left lateral and median lobes of the liver were ligated for 4 and 10 days in rats, and hepatic reserve functions in BDO and FD lobes were assessed by microsomal cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase activities and by hepatic adenine nucleotide and energy charge levels. The values were com-pared with those in sham-operated control liver. Cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase activities were determined by gas-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and hepatic adenosine triphosphate (ATP), adenosine diphosphate (ADP), and adenosine monophosphate (AMP) levels with high-pressure liquid chromatography. Results The histological examination of the BDO lobes showed proliferation and formation of new bile ductules and fibrous connective tissue linking portal areas. Microsomal cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase activities, hepatic energy charge and adenine nucleotide levels did not differ between FD and BDO lobes, and the values were similar to those in the sham-operated liver. Conclusions Selective bile duct obstruction shows no adverse effects on microsomal and mitochondrial functions in either BDO or FD lobes of the liver.