The study on the relationship between the expression of calponin and gallstone formation.

In order to understand the molecular mechanisms of gallstone formation, the expression of calponin in animal model of gallstone disease was studied. High-cholesterol diet was given to the guinea pigs to induce gallstone formation. RT-PCR and Western-blotting were used to evaluate expression level of calponin gene. Down-regulation of calponin gene expression was observed in animals with gallstone, while myosin expression was relatively stable. Our results indicated that the decrease of calponin could increase the pressure of Oddi's sphincter, aggravate the stasis of bile and promote the gallstone formation.