Hormonal Regulation of Bile Secretion

Hormones transported to the liver by the portal and systemic circulation regulate many hepatic functions. The mechanisms by which these hormones regulate gene expression and protein functions have been under intensive investigation in recent years. It is clear that hepatic metabolic responses to steroid and peptide hormones are generally similar to those for other hormone-sensitive tissues. Thus, liver is increasingly recognized as a target tissue for actions of many hormones of endogenous as well as exogenous origin. In addition, liver also participates in clearance and metabolism of many hormones from the circulation. This chapter summarizes some of the interrelationships between hormones and bile secretion.