Disappearing bile ducts: immunologic mechanisms

Hosp Pract (Off Ed). 1990 Jul 15;25(7):141-50. doi: 10.1080/21548331.1990.11703976.

Abstract

In primary biliary cirrhosis, chronic graft-versus-host disease, and chronic liver transplant rejection, immunologic mechanisms appear to cause destruction of intrahepatic bile ducts and consequently may lead to liver failure. Understanding those mechanisms may lead to improved therapy. Recent findings and clinically relevant concepts are discussed.

MeSH terms

  • Antigen-Presenting Cells / immunology
  • Bile Ducts, Intrahepatic / abnormalities
  • Bile Ducts, Intrahepatic / immunology*
  • Bile Ducts, Intrahepatic / pathology
  • Biliary Tract Diseases / immunology*
  • Cystic Fibrosis / pathology
  • Graft vs Host Disease / pathology
  • Histiocytosis, Langerhans-Cell / pathology
  • Humans
  • Liver Diseases / pathology
  • Liver Transplantation / immunology
  • Sarcoidosis / pathology
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology