Abstract
We investigated activation mechanisms of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) that are known to play pivotal roles in the regeneration process after 70% partial hepatectomy (PHx). Parenchymal liver cells (PLCs) and non-parenchymal cells (NPLCs) were isolated and purified from the regenerating livers at 1, 3, 7, 14 days after PHx. Each liver cell fraction was stained by immunocytochemistry using an anti-desmin antibody as a marker for HSCs, anti-alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) as a marker for activated HSCs, and 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) for detection of proliferating cells. Tissue sections from regenerating livers were also analyzed by immunohistochemistry and compared with the results obtained for isolated cell fractions. One and 3 days after PHx, PLC-enriched fraction contained HSCs adhered to PLCs. The HSCs adhered to PLCs were double positive for BrdU and alpha-SMA, and formed clusters suggesting that these HSCs were activated. However, HSC-enriched fraction contained HSCs not adhered PLCs showed positive staining for anti-desmin antibody but negative for anti-alpha-SMA antibody. These results suggest that HSCs are activated by adhering to PLCs during the early phase of hepatic regeneration.
Highlights
The liver regenerates in size and function 7 to 14 days after 70% partial hepatectomy in rodents [1]
hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) were isolated from the non-parenchymal cells (NPLCs)-enriched fraction by 8.2% Nycodenz density gradient centrifugation
Immunohistochemistry To investigate the behavior of HSCs after PHx, we observed chronologically the regenerating liver by desmin and alpha-SMA immunohistochemistry and analyzed the activation of HSCs
Summary
The liver regenerates in size and function 7 to 14 days after 70% partial hepatectomy in rodents [1]. Recent reports demonstrated that proliferation of Parenchymal liver cells (PLCs) and activation of sinusoidal liver cells, namely, Kupffer cells, hepatic lymphocytes, sinusoidal endothelial cells, pit cells, stem cells and HSCs are involved in the regeneration process through cell-cell interaction and cytokine networks [2]. The activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) proliferate vigorously, lose vitamin A and synthesize a large quantity of extracellular matrix. The morphology of these cells changes from the star-shaped stellate cells to that of fibroblasts or myofibroblasts [3]. We isolated and purified HSCs and PLCs from regenerating liver after (page number not for citation purposes)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
