Primary biliary cirrhosis: The future

The answers to these questions are key to understanding the pathogenesis of PBC. Although the study of PBC is significantly retarded by the lack of an adequate animal model, the molecular technology to address these issues is advancing rapidly. In addition, the ability to isolate and culture human biliary epithelial cells greatly facilitates in vitro studies. With the advent of these tools, investigators are well poised to address the important issues of PBC in the future.