Background/Aims: The mouse mdr2 gene encodes a P-glycoprotein expressed in the
canalicular membrane of the hepatocyte. Mice in which this gene has been inactivated
(mdr2−/−) show a defect in biliary phospholipid and cholesterol section and develop non-
suppurative cholangitis. We hypothesized that secretion of bile salts without lipids initiates
this liver disease. Methods: To delineate the pathologic process, mdr2 (−/−) mice were fed
different bile salt-supplemented diets for 22 weeks after weaning. Aspects of liver pathology …