TI - Conclusion . AB - In summary this study has shown that : (i) cholangiocytes express both isoforms (long and short) of the receptor for prolactin ; ( ii ) prolactin has a trophic effect on the growth of normal female cholangiocytes by phosphorylaTION of PKCbeta-I and dePHOSphorylation of PKCalpha ; and ( iii ) cholangiocytes express the message/protein for and secrete prolactin , findings suggesting that prolactin participates , by an autocrine mechanism , in the modulation of cholangiocyte proliferation . Prolactin may be an important therapeutic approach for the management of cholangiopathies .