Changes in GM1 ganglioside content and localization in cholestatic rat liver

摘要: (Glyco)sphingolipids (GSL) are believed to protect the cell against harmful environmental factors by increasing rigidity of plasma membrane. Marked decrease membrane fluidity in cholestatic hepatocytes was described but role GSL therein has not been investigated so far. In this study, localization a representative GSL, GM1 ganglioside, compared between rats with cholestasis induced 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE) and vehicle propanediol treated or untreated animals. monitored histochemical reaction employing cholera toxin B-subunit. Our findings normal rat liver tissue showed that localized sinusoidal canalicular hepatocyte membranes both peripheral intermediate zones hepatic lobules, nearly absent central zones. On contrary, EE-treated animals also expressed lobular Moreover, detailed densitometry analysis at high magnification greater difference expression surface areas adjacent cytoplasm, caused as well increased staining zone decreased cytoplasm zone. These differences correlated serum bile acids documented linear regression analyses. Both content mRNA corresponding GM1-synthase remained unchanged livers; enhanced thus seems be due re-distribution cellular limited biosynthesis could responsible for protection effects accumulated during cholestasis.