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Nerves and perisinusoidal cells in human liver.
P Bioulac-Sage1, M E Lafon, J Saric
1Services des Maladies de l'Appareil Digestif et de Chirurgie Digestive, Hôpital Saint-André, Bordeaux, France.
Journal of Hepatology
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Nerve fibers innervate the human liver lobule, interacting with perisinusoidal cells. This suggests a potential role for nerve signaling in regulating liver blood flow and cell communication.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Unmyelinated nerve fibers are present in the human hepatic lobule.
- These nerves are located in the Disse space, near perisinusoidal cells and hepatocytes.
- Nerve endings contain various vesicles, suggesting diverse neurotransmitter signaling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and potential function of nerve fibers within the human liver lobule.
- To explore the interaction between hepatic nerves and perisinusoidal cells.
- To understand the role of neuro-sinusoidal cell communication in regulating hepatic hemodynamics.
Main Methods:
- Histological examination of human liver lobules to identify nerve fiber distribution.
- Ultrastructural analysis of nerve endings and associated cells.
- Review of existing literature on hepatic innervation and cell communication.
Main Results:
- Unmyelinated nerve fibers and bare nerve endings/varicosities were observed in the Disse space.
- These nerve endings contain heterogeneous granular and clear vesicles, indicative of multiple neurotransmitters.
- Perisinusoidal cells, located near nerve endings, are morphologically suited for hemodynamic regulation.
Conclusions:
- Hepatic nerves likely communicate with perisinusoidal cells.
- This neuro-sinusoidal cell interaction may play a crucial role in regulating sinusoidal blood flow.
- Cell-to-cell communication is important for both neural control of glucose release and hemodynamic regulation in the liver.