Scanning electron microscopic analysis of Kupffer cell proliferation after zymosan administration.
Rat Kupffer cells were observed and counted under a scanning electron microscope after a single dose of zymosan. The cell number increased after 24 h and reached 2 times the control after 72 h. The percentage of cells presenting numerous microvilli increased from 24% to 86% over the same period. Carbon clearance, a measure of phagocytic activity, decreased temporarily, regained control values after 12 h, and attained a 4-fold elevation at 72 h. Phagocytic activity paralleled Kupffer cell number, but increased more relatively. This result probably reflected activation of resident Kupffer cells as noted by numerous thick microvilli.
D000818:Animals; D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects; D007728:Kupffer Cells / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D008099:Liver / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008297:Male; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D010587:Phagocytosis; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D015054:Zymosan / Q000494:pharmacology*
D015054:Zymosan