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Visualization and Analysis of Blood Flow and Oxygen Consumption in Hepatic Microcirculation: Application to an Acute Hepatitis Model
Published on: August 4, 2012
Age-related changes in the hepatic microcirculation in mice
Yoshiya Ito1, Karen K Sørensen, Nancy W Bethea
1Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, P.O. Box 245044, University of Arizona, 1501 N. Campbell Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85724-5044, USA.
Experimental Gerontology
|June 22, 2007
Summary
Aging impairs liver function by reducing blood flow through liver sinusoids. This age-related decline in hepatic microcirculation is linked to inflammation and liver sinusoidal endothelial cell dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Gerontology
- Microcirculation Research
Background:
- Liver aging impairs drug metabolism and increases susceptibility to toxins.
- Reduced hepatic blood flow is a suspected contributor to age-related liver dysfunction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-related changes in hepatic microcirculation.
- To understand the impact of aging on liver sinusoidal blood flow and endothelial cell function.
Main Methods:
- In vivo and electron microscopy techniques were used to examine mouse livers at different ages (0.8, 3, 14, and 27 months).
- Quantification of perfused sinusoids, blood flow, leukocyte adhesion, and liver sinusoidal endothelial cell (LSEC) morphology.
Main Results:
- A 14% reduction in perfused sinusoids and a 35% decrease in sinusoidal blood flow were observed in senescent mice.
- Increased leukocyte adhesion, upregulation of ICAM-1, and accumulation of macrophages indicated an inflammatory response.
- Liver sinusoidal endothelial cell (LSEC) dysfunction, characterized by swelling and reduced endocytotic capacity, and pseudocapillarization of the endothelium were evident in aged livers.
Conclusions:
- Age-related reductions in sinusoidal blood flow are associated with decreased numbers of perfused sinusoids and narrowed lumens.
- Liver sinusoidal endothelial cell (LSEC) dysfunction and leukocyte accumulation contribute significantly to impaired hepatic microcirculation in aging livers.
