Inflammation-induced cholestasis

Inflammatory cytokines produced in response to various infectious and non-i nfectious stimuli are potent inducers of intrahepatic cholestasis (inflamma tion-induced cholestasis). The cholestatic effect of cytokines results main ly from inhibition of expression and function of hepatocellular transport s ystems which normally mediate hepatic uptake and biliary excretion of bile salts and various non-bile salt organic anions (e.g. bilirubin). These cyto kine effects are reversible and bile secretory function is restored upon di sappearance of the inflammatory injury. This review summarizes the clinical , pathophysiological and molecular aspects of inflammation-induced cholesta sis. (C) 1999 Blackwell Science Asia Pry Ltd.