Hepatic vascular endothelial cells heterogenously express surface antigens associated with monocytes, macrophages and T lymphocytes.
During studies of the antigenic and functional properties of hepatic sinusoidal lining cells in situ, we found that only the sinusoidal endothelial cells share antigens with a peripheral blood macrophage subset capable of presenting soluble antigens and triggering autologous mixed lymphocyte reactions. They were HLA-DR+, OKM1-, OKM5+. Vascular endothelial cells in the portal areas and central veins were HLA-DR+, OKM1- and OKM5-. The sinusoidal endothelial cells also expressed an antigen found on helper/inducer (OKT4 and Leu3 a) T lymphocytes. Thus, the present study suggests that endothelial cells in different anatomic compartments in the liver heterogenously express surface antigens associated with monocytes, macrophages and T lymphocytes and possess distinct immunological functions.
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000954:Antigens, Surface / Q000276:immunology*; D001808:Blood Vessels / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / Q000032:analysis; D006651:Histocytochemistry; D006801:Humans; D007120:Immunochemistry; D008102:Liver Circulation; D008264:Macrophages / Q000276:immunology*; D009000:Monocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000954:Antigens, Surface; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II