Morphologic Damage of Rat Alveolar Epithelial Type II Cells Induced by Bile Acids Could Be Ameliorated by Farnesoid X Receptor Inhibitor Z-Guggulsterone In Vitro

Figure 2

The morphology of primary cultured AECIIs of rat after treatment of CDCA and the FXR blocker GS under transmission electron microscope. In Group 1 (control), Group 5 (40 μM GS, MIX), and Group 9 (40 μM GS, PRE), AECIIs were in good condition. Large numbers of LBs were observed, with dark color and ring-like arrangement (×15000, ×15000, and ×20000, (a), (e), and (i)). In Group 2 (25 μM CDCA), mitochondria had slight swelling, with some LBs demonstrating vacuolization (×15000, (b)). In Group 3 (100 μM CDCA), the number of LBs reduced significantly. Mitochondria swelled seriously and showed balloon-like change (×15000, (c)). In Group 4 (200 μM CDCA), fewer LBs were presented, showing vacuole-like deformity. Microvilli on the surface had disappeared (×15000, (d)). In Groups 6–8 and Groups 10–12 (25, 100, and 200 μM CDCA with 40 μM GS, MIX, and PRE), the number of LBs markedly increased compared to Groups 2–4, with clear lamellar and cellular structure (×20000, ×20000, ×15000, ×20000, ×20000, and ×15000, (f), (g), (h), (j), (k), and (l)). Arrow 1: microvillus; arrow 2: lamellar body; arrow 3: mitochondria.

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