Biogenic amines serotonin and dopamine regulate cholangiocyte hyperplastic and neoplastic growth.

Biogenic amines, such as serotonin and dopamine, regulate a multitude of cellular responses. A great deal of effort has been invested into understanding the effects of these molecules and their corresponding receptor systems on cholangiocyte and cholangiocarcinoma secretion, apoptosis and growth. This review summarizes the results of these efforts and highlights the importance of these regulatory molecules on the physiology and pathophysiology of cholangiocytes. Specifically we have focused on the recent findings into the effects of serotonin and dopamine on cholangiocyte hyperplasia and neoplastic growth.