The influence of cholic acid and cholesterol on cell proliferation in the gallbladder mucosa of the mouse.

The effect of a cholesterol-cholic acid diet on cell proliferation in the gallbladder epithelial cells of the mouse was investigated systematically. As early as 48 h after the commencement of the diet an outburst of proliferative activity in the gallbladder epithelium was observed. This accelerated proliferation was accompanied by an increased exfoliation of epithelial cells into the gallbladder lumen. In the further course of the experimental diet the 3H-labelling index fell but remained significantly higher than in the control group. The epithelium displayed villus-like folds, and the gallbladder wall became noticeably thicker. The cholesterol-cholic acid diet stimulated proliferation not only in the gallbladder epithelial cells but also in fibroblasts and hepatocytes.