Editorial
Copyright ©2006 Baishideng Publishing Group Co., Limited. All rights reserved.
World J Gastroenterol. Sep 14, 2006; 12(34): 5429-5439
Published online Sep 14, 2006. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v12.i34.5429
Human hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells can be distinguished by expression of phenotypic markers related to their specialised functions in vivo
PF Lalor, WK Lai, SM Curbishley, S Shetty, DH Adams
PF Lalor, WK Lai, SM Curbishley, S Shetty, DH Adams, Liver Research Group, Institute of Biomedical Research, Division of Medical Science, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
Correspondence to: Dr. Patricia Lalor, Liver Research Group, Institute of Biomedical Research, Division of Medical Science, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom. p.f.lalor@bham.ac.uk
Telephone: +44-121-4158784 Fax: +44-121-4158701
Received: May 8, 2006
Revised: May 28, 2006
Accepted: June 14, 2006
Published online: September 14, 2006
Abstract

The hepatic sinusoids are lined by a unique population of hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells (HSEC), which is one of the first hepatic cell populations to come into contact with blood components. However, HSEC are not simply barrier cells that restrict the access of blood-borne compounds to the parenchyma. They are functionally specialised endothelial cells that have complex roles, including not only receptor-mediated clearance of endotoxin, bacteria and other compounds, but also the regulation of inflammation, leukocyte recruitment and host immune responses to pathogens. Thus understanding the differentiation and function of HSEC is critical for the elucidation of liver biology and pathophysiology. This article reviews methods for isolating and studying human hepatic endothelial cell populations using in vitro models. We also discuss the expression and functions of phenotypic markers, such as the presence of fenestrations and expression of VAP-1, Stabilin-1, L-SIGN, which can be used to identify sinusoidal endothelium and to permit discrimination from vascular and lymphatic endothelial cells.

Keywords: Human; Liver; Endothelium; Sinusoid; Phenotype