CALCYCLIN AS A MARKER OF INTRAHEPATIC BILIARY DUCTS IN TRANSPLANTED LIVERS

Calcyclin-a calcium binding protein that belongs to the S-100 protein family-is present at high concentration in fibroblasts and epithelial cells. In normal liver calcyclin antibodies stain biliary epithelium, whereas hepatocytes are always negative. Proliferative, degenerative or atrophic changes occurring in biliary epithelium of 8 children with orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) were monitored using calcyclin antibodies. The antibodies were found to stain epithelium of biliary ducts and ductuli in normal and pathologically changed livers. Single calcyclin positive hepatocytes (probably representing “prebiliary epithelial cells”) could be detected only under pathological conditions.