Immunohistochemical evaluation of the activation of hepatic progenitor cells and their niche in feline lymphocytic cholangitis

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to compare the hepatic progenitor cell niche in healthy feline livers and the liver tissue of cats with lymphocytic cholangitis. METHODS: Immunohistochemical stainings for vimentin, laminin, beta (β)-catenin and Notch1 intracellular domain (NICD) were used on formalin-fixed liver biopsies from affected (n = 12) and unaffected cats (n = 2). RESULTS: All immunohistochemical markers used were expressed in more cells, or more intensely, in the liver tissue of cats with lymphocytic cholangitis than in the liver tissue of unaffected cats. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Enhanced expression of vimentin, laminin, cytoplasmic/nuclear β-catenin and NICD in liver biopsies from cats with lymphocytic cholangitis indicates that the hepatic progenitor cell (HPC) niche is remodelled and activated. HPCs might provide insights into new regenerative treatment options for lymphocytic cholangitis in cats in the future.