What is cholestasis in 1985?

Bile secretion involves a number of specific transport systems in the hepatocytes. These are located at the baso-lateral membrane (bile acid/sodium co-transport, sodium/proton exchange), intracellularly or at the canalicular membrane (bile acid secretory carrier, bicarbonate transport system). In addition, the paracellular (tight junction) pathway allows passage of inorganic ions and waters. Cholestasis may result from an alteration of these transport systems (hepatocellular cholestasis), from obstruction of intrahepatic bile ducts or obstruction of extrahepatic bile ducts. The main proposed mechanisms of hepatocellular cholestasis are reviewed.