Human hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells can be distinguished by expression of phenotypic markers related to their specialised functions in vivo.
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.
Lalor
P F
PF
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
Lai
W K
WK
Curbishley
S M
SM
Shetty
S
S
Adams
D H
DH
D006631:Amine Oxidase (Copper-Containing) / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D015816:Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D042783:Endothelial Cells / Q000378:metabolism*; D004729:Endothelium, Lymphatic / Q000166:cytology; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000166:cytology; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D037181:Lectins, C-Type / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D008099:Liver / Q000098:blood supply / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D008102:Liver Circulation; D010641:Phenotype; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D016201:Receptors, Lymphocyte Homing / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*
D015415:Biomarkers; C433029:CLEC4M protein, human; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules; D015816:Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal; D037181:Lectins, C-Type; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D016201:Receptors, Lymphocyte Homing; C449926:STAB1 protein, human; C076668:AOC3 protein, human; D006631:Amine Oxidase (Copper-Containing)