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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 24, 2026

A Standardized Method for the Analysis of Liver Sinusoidal Endothelial Cells and Their Fenestrations by Scanning Electron Microscopy

A Standardized Method for the Analysis of Liver Sinusoidal Endothelial Cells and Their Fenestrations by Scanning Electron Microscopy

Published on: April 30, 2015

The liver sieve and atherosclerosis.

Robin Fraser¹, Victoria C Cogger, Bruce Dobbs

¹*Department of Pathology, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand.

|March 13, 2012

Summary

The liver sieve, featuring fenestrations in liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs), is crucial for nutrient uptake. Its dysfunction, or defenestration, impacts substrate processing and may offer therapeutic targets.

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Area of Science:

Hepatology
Cell Biology
Vascular Biology

Background:

The liver sinusoidal endothelial cell (LSEC) lining the hepatic sinusoid possesses unique fenestrations.
These fenestrations form the 'liver sieve,' a critical structure for liver function.
The liver sieve facilitates selective uptake of various substrates, notably lipoproteins.

Purpose of the Study:

To elucidate the structure and function of the liver sieve.
To investigate the consequences of liver sieve dysfunction (defenestration).
To explore therapeutic potential related to the liver sieve.

Main Methods:

Descriptive analysis of LSEC fenestrations.
Review of evidence linking fenestration status to substrate uptake.
Exploration of pathological conditions associated with defenestration.

Main Results:

Fenestrations in LSECs are clustered in sieve plates, forming a permselective ultrafiltration system.
Defenestration of the liver sieve occurs in conditions like cirrhosis, fibrosis, diabetes, and aging.
Liver sieve defenestration impairs the hepatic uptake of substrates, including lipoproteins.

Conclusions:

The liver sieve is vital for hepatic substrate exchange, particularly lipoprotein metabolism.
Defenestration negatively impacts liver function and is associated with disease and aging.
Pharmacological modulation of the liver sieve holds therapeutic promise for dyslipidemia, gene therapy, and liver regeneration.