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Related Experiment Videos

Hepatocyte fine structure during maturation and senescence.

D L Schmucker1

  • 1Cell Biology & Aging Section, Veterans Administration Medical Center, San Francisco, California 94121.

Journal of Electron Microscopy Technique
|February 1, 1990
PubMed
Summary

Cellular aging alters liver cell structure and function. Lysosomal volume increases, while smooth endoplasmic reticulum decreases, impacting enzyme activity in aging rats.

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Area of Science:

  • Cellular biology
  • Gerontology
  • Hepatology

Background:

  • Aging causes significant cellular changes in structure, function, and composition.
  • Qualitative data on age-related cellular morphology limits correlation with biochemical changes.
  • The mammalian liver, specifically hepatocytes, has been studied quantitatively and qualitatively across aging stages.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantitatively evaluate age-related changes in hepatocyte structure and organelle composition.
  • To correlate structural alterations with functional changes during aging.
  • To establish a consensus on age-related hepatocyte changes in inbred rat models.

Main Methods:

  • Quantitative and qualitative analysis of rat hepatocytes during development, maturation, and senescence.
  • Assessment of organelle volume, surface area, and biochemical activities.
  • Comparison of data across studies to identify consistent age-related trends.

Main Results:

  • Hepatocyte volume increases with age, affecting organelle compartments.
  • Lysosomal volume density significantly increases during senescence, with elevated hydrolase activity.
  • Smooth-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum concentration declines with aging, reducing microsomal yield and enzyme activity (e.g., mono-oxygenases, glucose-6-phosphatase).

Conclusions:

  • Aging induces specific, quantifiable changes in hepatocyte organelles, notably lysosomal expansion and smooth endoplasmic reticulum reduction.
  • These structural changes correlate with altered cellular functions, including enzyme activities.
  • While some age-related hepatocyte alterations are consistent in rats, many organelle responses remain varied and require further investigation.

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