Effects of ursodeoxycholic acid on intrahepatic cholestasis in rats.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of treatment with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) on intrahepatic cholestasis in rats, and to explore its mechanism. METHOD: Rats suffering from intrahepatic cholestasis were treated with UDCA. Their serum alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin (TBIL), direct bilirubin (DBIL), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (gamma-GT), total cholesterol (TCH), bile flow, total bile acid excretion, total Na(+) and TCH of bile were measured before and after treatment. In addition, the changes of liver tissue under microscrope were observed and recorded. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, serum ALT, ALP, TBIL, DBIL, gamma-GT and TCH of rats in the treatment group decreased, while bile flow, total bile acid excretion, total Na(+) and TCH decreased significantly. Degeneration of hepatocytes, infiltration of inflamed cells and proliferation of small bile ducts in the treatment group were improved under microscope. CONCLUSION: UDCA may have therapeutic effects on cholestatic hepatitis. The mechanism may involve in its hydrophilicity, choleretic effect and immune modulation.