Changes of Ito cells (fat-storing cells) by administration of carbon tetrachloride with reference to hepatic fibrosis

• Published in: Kanzo Vol. 26; no. 11; pp. 1472 - 1477
• Main Authors: MATSUZAK, Kenichiro, YOKOI, Yukio, KURODA, Hiroyuki
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Japanese
• Published: The Japan Society of Hepatology 25.11.1985
• ISSN: 0451-4203; 1881-3593
• DOI: 10.2957/kanzo.26.1472

Much attentions have been focused to Ito cells (fat-storing cells; FSC) as cells having the fiber producing activity. We have identified desmin in FSC of rat livers by immunocytochemical techniques using antidesmin antibodies. FSC were precisely observed by this method, even in injured liver. In the present study we attempt to study the relation between FSC and hepatic fibrosis in CCl4 administered rat livers. In acute intoxication FSC increased in number and in size in necrotizing areas before the appearance of fibrosis, and decreased on the progression on fibrosis. In chronic intoxication FSC increased in fibroplastic areas and were seemed to be performed fibers by the connection of cytoplasmic processes of neighbouring cells. FSC were hardly found in fibrotic bundles. These findings suggested a close relation of FSC to the progression of hepatic fibrosis.