ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of epidermal growth factor receptor antagonist (AG-1478) on chronic proliferative cholangitis (CPC), so as to investigate new treatment approach for hepatolithiasis associated with CPC. MethodsForty-six SD rats were divided into 5 groups: CPC model group (n=10), only made models. AG-1478 treatment group (divided into 3 mg/kg, 6 mg/kg, and 12 mg/kg groups, n=10 per group), the common bile ducts in CPC animal model received an intralumenal administration of AG-1478 at the meantime of modeling, followed by intraperitoneal AG-1478 injection of 1.5 mg/(kg·d) for 7 days. Sham operation group (SO group, n=6). Subsequently, histopathological observation, immunohistochemistry, real time PCR, and Western blot were used to evaluate the mRNA expression and influence of AG-1478 on the hyperplasia (EGFR, ki-67, BrdU, collagen Ⅰ protein) and lithogenic potential (Mucin 5AC) of CPC. ResultsCompared with CPC model group, the expressions of EGFR, ki-67, and BrdU were obviously decreased in the AG-1478 treatment group. Also, the inhibition of hyperplasia of biliary epithelium and collagen fibers were confirmed by histopathological observation. Additionally, the expressions of Mucin 5AC mRNA and collagen Ⅰ protein remarkable decreased in the AG-1478 treatment group (Plt;0.05). Conclusions EGFR inhibitor (AG-1478) could shows inhibitory effectivenss on the CPC-mediated hyperplasia and lithogenic potential, and therefore holds promise as the new treatment approach for CPC.