Role of prolactin in the regulation of some liver cell functions after ligation of common bile duct

In rats with ligated common bile duct, the inhibitor of prolactin secretion bromocriptine inhibited proliferation of bile ducts in males, reduced Na⁺ concentration in bile in females, and elevated blood bilirubin. In males with pituitary transplants, proliferation of bile ducts increased. It was concluded that the effects of prolactin on cholangiocyte proliferation and bile ion content after ligation of the common bile duct are sex-dependent. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny Vol. 127, No. 5, pp. 573–575, May, 1999