EM 252 Hepatic Stellate Cell

Hepatic Stellate Cell

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of a hepatic stellate cell (HSC), also known as an Ito cell or lipocyte.

HSCs reside in the perisinusoidal space of the liver, also known as the space of Disse, which is the area between the sinusoids and hepatocytes.

• Hepatic Stellate Cell (green) - star-like shape and extend cytoplasmic processes along neighboring endothelial cells
  • Lipid Droplets (yellow) - vitamin A is fat-soluble and stored in the lipid droplets
• Hepatocytes (dark green)
• Sinusoids (tan) - specialized capillaries with a discontinuous endothelium
• Facilitate the exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste products between blood and hepatocytes

Subcellular Structures

• Nucleus (blue) / Nuclear Envelope (purple)
• Mitochondria (red)
• Endoplasmic Reticulum (cyan)
• Lipid Droplets (yellow)

When the liver is injured, HSCs lose their lipid droplets and transform into myofibroblast-like cells. Their proliferation and migration are major contributors to the formation of scar tissue in liver fibrosis, which can progress to cirrhosis if not managed properly.

Courtesy G. Stohr and H.D. Fahmi, Department of Anatomy, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.