Age-Related Changes in the Expression of Tenascin-C in the Liver of Albino Rat

Abstract

Introduction and aim: Aging is a gradual deterioration in the function of tissues and organ systems and loss of the ability to maintain homeostasis, due to structural alteration or dysfunction. Aging impact directly on all the different types of liver cells: hepatocytes, liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs), Küpffer cells (KCs) and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Activation of HSCs leads to deposition of collagen in the space of Disse, decrease of fenestrations of LSECs and formation of basement membrane. These changes called pseudocapillarization. Tenascin-C is highly expressed during embryonic development, wound healing, chronic inflammation and cancer. We aimed to investigate the contribution of tenascin C (TnC) to liver pseudocapillarization by comparing expression of tenascin c and levels of fibrosis deposition in space of Disse in different age groups
 Methodology: Different ages (6, 12, 18, 24, 30 and 36 months) were chosen and sacrificed. Morphometric and serological parameters were assessed and the liver samples were processed for histological and immunohistochemical staining.
 Results: Immunohistochemical staining revealed a gradual increase in TnC deposition from first to forth group then gradual decrease occurred. Masson’s stain revealed gradual increase of fibrosis in space of Disse deposition from 2nd to 6th group.
 Conclusion: TnC appear and increase before appearance of fibrosis but when fibrosis is formed TnC is down regulated again.