摘要AIM: To further investigate the important role of storeoperated calcium channels (SOCs) in rat hepatocytes and to explore the effects of SOC blockers on hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (HIRI). METHODS: Using freshly isolated hepatocytes from a rat model of HIRI (and controls), we measured cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration (by calcium imaging), net Ca2+ fluxes (by a non-invasive micro-test technique), the SOC current (ISOC; by whole-cell patch-clamp recording), and taurocholate secretion [by high-performance liquid chromatography and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assays]. RESULTS: Ca2+ oscillations and net Ca2+ fluxes mediated by Ca2+ entry via SOCs were observed in rat hepatocytes. ISOC was significantly higher in HIRI groups than in controls (57.0 ± 7.5 pA vs 31.6 ± 2.7 pA, P <0.05) and was inhibited by La3+. Taurocholate secretion by hepatocytes into culture supernatant was distinctly lower in HIRI hepatocytes than in controls, an effect reversed by SOC blockers. CONCLUSION: SOCs are pivotal in HIRI. SOC blockers protected against HIRI and assisted the recovery of secretory function in hepatocytes. Thus, they are likely to become a novel class of effective drugs for prevention or therapy of HIRI patients in the future.