Estradiol-17beta-D-glucuronide (E(2)17G) induces immediate and profound but transient
cholestasis in rats when administered as a single bolus dose. Here, we examined the consequence of sustained E(2)17G
cholestasis and assessed the function and localization of the tight junctional
proteins zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and
occludin and of the canalicular transporter multidrug resistance-associated protein-2 (Mrp2). An initial dose of E(2)17G (15 mumol/kg iv) followed by five subsequent doses of 7.5 mumol/kg from 60 to 240 min induced a sustained 40-70% decrease in bile flow. Following their biliary retrograde administration,
cholera toxin B subunit-
FITC or
horseradish peroxidase were detected at the sinusoidal domain, indicating opening of the paracellular route; this occurred as early as 15 min after the first dose as well as 15 min after the last dose of E(2)17G, but not following the administration of vehicle in controls. Localization of ZO-1 and
occludin was only slightly affected under acute cholestatic conditions but was severely disrupted under sustained
cholestasis, with their appearance suggesting a fragmented structure. Endocytic internalization of Mrp2 to the pericanalicular region was apparent 20 min after a single E(2)17G administration; however, Mrp2 was found more deeply internalized and partially redistributed to the basolateral membrane under sustained
cholestasis. In conclusion, acute E(2)17G-induced
cholestasis increased permeability of the tight junction, while sustained
cholestasis provoked a significant redistribution of ZO-1,
occludin, and Mrp2 in addition to increased permeability of the tight junction. Altered tight junction integrity likely contributes to impaired bile secretion and may be causally related to changes in Mrp2 localization.