Hepatocyte couplets
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 16, 2026

"Liver-on-a-Chip" Cultures of Primary Hepatocytes and Kupffer Cells for Hepatitis B Virus Infection
Published on: February 19, 2019
Abstract:
Hepatocyte couplets, by retaining functional and morphological polarity similar to that of hepatocytes in situ, are a valuable in vitro model to study mechanisms of bile secretion, cholestasis and hepatocellular injury. They have been useful in studies of the hormonal control of bile formation and are suitable for morphological studies. The availability of periportal- and perivenous-enriched couplet populations now allows a zonal perspective. Their contribution to our understanding of regulatory aspects of hepatobiliary dysfunction due to toxicological or cholestatic insult, as well as its reversion by using hepatoprotective agents, is still at an early stage. The next few years should see further exiting contributions to our understanding of hepatobiliary function and dysfunction.
Related Concept Videos
Liver Regeneration
Cells of Liver
The liver comprises four major types of cells— hepatocytes, stellate, Kupffer, and sinusoidal endothelial cells. The hepatocytes are large...
Hepatic Portal System
At its core, the hepatic portal vein is the result of a confluence of the superior and inferior mesenteric veins along with the splenic vein. Each of these veins has a unique role. The superior mesenteric vein is responsible...
Hepatitis
Liver Histology
Hepatocytes perform a variety of essential functions. They secrete...
Liver Physiology
Metabolic Regulation:
The liver is the central organ involved in regulating blood composition. It stabilizes blood glucose levels, maintaining them within the range of 70–110 mg/dL. When these levels drop, the liver breaks down glycogen reserves and releases glucose into the bloodstream. It can also...
Jaundice

