Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 31, 2026

Seven Steps to Stellate Cells
Published on: May 10, 2011
The effects of old age on hepatic stellate cells
Alessandra Warren1, Victoria C Cogger, Robin Fraser
1Centre for Education and Research on Ageing, Concord Hospital and the ANZAC Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney NSW 2139, Australia.
Abstract:
Aging is associated with marked changes in the hepatic sinusoid, yet the effect of old age on hepatic stellate cells (HSC) has not been well described. Transmission electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry were used to study the effects of aging on HSC in livers from rats (3-4 mths versus 24-27 mths) and mice (2-3 mths versus 20-22 mths). Desmin-positive HSC doubled in old age in both mice and rats. Alpha-smooth muscle actin- (αSMA-) positive cells did not increase significantly and remained only a small percentage of desmin-positive cells. Electron microscopy revealed that old age is associated with HSC that have a substantial increase in the number of lipid droplets which are larger in diameter. There was also a marked increase of HSC that protruded into the sinusoidal lumen in old mice. In conclusion, old age is associated with hyperplasia of HSC that are not activated and are engorged with lipid droplets.
Related Concept Videos
Cirrhosis II: Pathophysiology
Liver Regeneration
Cells of Liver
The liver comprises four major types of cells— hepatocytes, stellate, Kupffer, and sinusoidal endothelial cells. The hepatocytes are large...
The Effect of Aging on Tissues
Cirrhosis I: Introduction
Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Metabolism
Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Drug Dosing and Hepatic Blood Flow
