VPAC1 expression is regulated by FXR agonists in the human gallbladder epithelium.

Vasoactive intestinal peptide receptor-1 (VPAC1) is the high-affinity receptor of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), a major regulator of bile secretion. To better define the level at which VPAC1 stimulates bile secretion, we examined its expression in the different cell types participating in bile formation (i.e.

Bile salts potentiate adenylyl cyclase activity and cAMP-regulated secretion in human gallbladder epithelium.

Fluid and ion secretion in the gallbladder is mainly triggered by the intracellular second messenger cAMP. We examined the action of bile salts on the cAMP-dependent pathway in the gallbladder epithelium. Primary cultures of human gallbladder epithelial cells were exposed to agonists of the cAMP pathway and/or to bile salts.