FAT-STORING CELLS (ITOS CELL) OF HUMAN-LIVER - BIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND CHANGES OCCURRING IN CIRCULATORY DISTURBANCE

  • 1 January 1981
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 31  (1) , 55-63
Abstract
An enzyme histochemical study was carried out on fat-storing cells which are distributed in the space of Disse of mammalian liver. The livers consisted of human autopsy materials demonstrating either acute or chronic circulatory disturbance. Fat-storing cells contained abundant glycogen and demonstrated a marked .gamma.-glutamyl transpeptidase activity and weak lactate dehydrogenase activity. Probably active glyconeogenesis, rather than glycogenolysis was being carried out in these cells. In acute circulatory disturbance, elevated alkaline phosphatase activity was found in the wall of sinusoids. This phenomenon was a manifestation of activated capillary endothelial cells participating in the regeneration of liver parenchyma. In chronic congestive liver, elevated .gamma.-glutamyl transpeptidase activity in fat-storing cells was involved in the proliferation of fibers in the wall of sinusoids. Elevated pressure in sinusoids is considered to be the main factor in its increased activation.