Brief Review of Hepatic Stellate Cell

Hepatic Stellate Cell

There are truly a lot of liver cells, including hepatocytes, liver endothelial cells, kupffer cells, hepatic stellate cells, and others. Hepatic stellate cells are liver-specific mesenchymal cells which play important roles in liver physiology.

Hepatic stellate cells are also called perisinusoidal cells, which are typically located between the liver’s sinusoidal endothelial cells and hepatocytes. They are usually spindle-shaped, by which researchers believe that their spine-like projection may detect chemical signals and secure the health of liver.

In comparison to other liver cells, this 5 to 8 percent of the liver's cells just sit around in an inactive "quiescent" state in most of the time, and just store vitamin A and a number of important receptors, as well as help to transport various proteins (including immune messengers-cytokines).

However, when there is an event like liver injury, they will activated at once, and promote ion movement, continue the production of antibodies, genesis of natural killer T-cells and the proliferation of chemical responses to stress. Therefore, hepatic stellate cells act like the liver's reserve army to some extent.

How it functions

Usually in healthy liver, hepatic stellate cells contain fat droplets helping to store numerous vitamin A, thus constitutes the largest reservoir of vitamin A in the body. The lipid antigens presented by hepatic stellate cells within the liver help to stimulate the immune system as well.

Except the liver is injured or diseased, a hepatic stellate cell is usually in a dormant or quiescent state. When the case happens, the cell tends to multiply; its ability to contract becomes more prevalent as well. Its ability to store vitamin A will decrease, and it will become more sensitive and have more response to certain chemicals. In general, it is characterized by proliferation, contractility, and chemotaxis.

Moreover, by releasing proteins sometimes, these cells can stimulate liver regeneration after a transplant. Research studies also indicated that cellular signaling by hepatic stellate cells helps the repair process the liver after an injury as well. Some researchers also believe that hepatic stellate cells play a key role in releasing collagen scar tissue and encouraging liver scarring.

About Creative Bioarray

In recent years, the study of functions of liver cells is quite significant in medical research. Scientists are also focusing on how hepatocyte death and stellate cell proliferation contribute to inflammation, fibrosis and even cancer.

Creative Bioarray offers 35 human cell systems with over 160 different cell types, and also enables all researchers an access to study the  Hepatic Stellate Cells.  Thus, if you need know more information about our hepatic stellate cells, Please feel free to contact us.