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Updated: Jun 2, 2026
12:35
In vivo Liver Endocytosis Followed by Purification of Liver Cells by Liver Perfusion
Published on: November 10, 2011
Inbuilt mechanisms for overcoming functional problems inherent in hepatic microlobular structure.
Robert D Cohen1, Christopher L Brown, Carole Nickols
1Centre for Diabetes, Bart's and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Blizard Institute for Cell and Molecular Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Newark Street, London E1 2AT, UK.
Summary
Liver lobule cells may function better due to a temperature gradient. Heat-generating and heat-sensitive proteins are concentrated centrally, supporting this temperature gradient hypothesis in liver physiology.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Physiology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Mammalian liver lobules have a spherical anatomy, leading to faster blood flow and reduced cell-contact time in central regions.
- This anatomical feature poses a functional challenge for centrilobular cells compared to periportal cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the existence of a temperature gradient across liver lobules.
- To explore whether such a gradient could compensate for reduced cell-contact time in centrilobular regions.
Main Methods:
- Mathematical modeling was employed to simulate temperature distribution within liver lobules.
- Immunohistochemistry using double-antibody staining was performed on rat and human liver tissue.
- Quantification of protein localization using automated histomorphometry.
Main Results:
- Mathematical models indicated a temperature increase towards the center of the liver lobule.
- Uncoupling protein-2 (UCP2), a heat-generating protein, was predominantly found in the centrilobular region.
- Transient receptor potential-v4 (TRPV4), a temperature-sensitive protein, was also localized mainly in the centrilobular areas.
Conclusions:
- Evidence supports the existence of a temperature gradient across liver lobules, with higher temperatures centrally.
- This gradient, along with the distribution of UCP2 and TRPV4 proteins, suggests a physiological adaptation to optimize cellular function despite rapid blood flow in centrilobular zones.
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