Bile acids induce Ca2+ release from both the endoplasmic reticulum and acidic intracellular calcium stores through activation of inositol trisphosphate receptors and ryanodine receptors.

Gallstones can cause acute pancreatitis, an often fatal disease in which the pancreas digests itself. This is probably because of biliary reflux into the pancreatic duct and subsequent bile acid action on the acinar cells. Because Ca(2+) toxicity is important for the cellular damage in pancreatitis, we have studied the mechanisms by which the bile acid taurolithocholic acid 3-sulfate (TLC-S) liberates Ca(2+).

Human bronchial epithelial cells express PAR-2 with different sensitivity to thermolysin.

Protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR-2) plays a role in inflammatory reactions in airway physiology. Proteases cleaving the extracellular NH(2) terminus of receptors activate or inactivate PAR, thus possessing a therapeutic potential. Using RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry, we show PAR-2 in human airway epithelial cell lines human bronchial epithelial (HBE) and A549.