Simplified isolation and spheroidal aggregate culture of rat hepatocytes

Fibroblasts Derive from Hepatocytes in Liver Fibrosis via Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition

Activated fibroblasts are key contributors to the fibrotic extracellular matrix accumulation during liver fibrosis. The origin of such fibroblasts is still debated, although several studies point to stellate cells as the principal source. The role of adult hepatocytes as contributors to the accumulation of fibroblasts in the fibrotic liver is yet undetermined. Here, we provide evidence that the pro-fibrotic growth factor, TGF-beta1, induces adult mouse hepatocytes to undergo phenotypic and functional changes typical of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). We perform lineage-tracing experiments using AlbCre. R26RstoplacZ double transgenic mice to demonstrate that hepatocytes which undergo EMT contribute substantially to the population of FSP1-positive fibroblasts in CCL(4)-induced liver fibrosis. Furthermore, we demonstrate that bone morphogenic protein-7 (BMP7), a member of the TGFbeta superfamily, which is known to antagonize TGFbeta signaling, significantly inhibits progression of liver fibrosis in these mice. BMP7 treatment abolishes EMT-derived fibroblasts, suggesting that the therapeutic effect of BMP7 was at least partially due to the inhibition of EMT. These results provide direct evidence for the functional involvement of adult hepatocytes in the accumulation of activated fibroblasts in the fibrotic liver. Furthermore, our findings suggest that EMT is a promising therapeutic target for the attenuation of liver fibrosis.

Effects of palmatine on potassium and calcium currents in isolated rat hepatocytes

AIM: To study the effects of palmatine, a known inhibitor on delayed rectifier potassium current and L-type calcium current (I_Ca,L) in guinea pig ventricular myocytes, on the potassium and calcium currents in isolated rat hepatocytes.

METHODS: Tight-seal whole-cell patch-clamp techniques were performed to investigate the effects of palmatine on the delayed outward potassium currents (I_K), inward rectifier potassium current (I_K1) and Ca²⁺ release-activated Ca²⁺ current (I_CRAC) in enzymatically isolated rat hepatocytes.

RESULTS: Palmatine 0.3-100 μM reduced I_K in a concentration-dependent manner with EC₅₀ of 41.62 ± 10.11 μM and nH, 0.48 ± 0.07 (n = 8). The effect of the drug was poorly reversible after washout. When the bath solution was changed to tetraethylammonium (TEA) 8 mM, I_K was inhibited. Palmatine 10 μM and 100 μM shifted the I-V curves of I_K downward, and the block of I_K was voltage-independent. Palmatine 0.3-100 μM also inhibited I_CRAC in a concentration-dependent manner. The fitting parameters were as follows: EC₅₀ = 51.19 ± 15.18 mM, and n_H = 0.46 ± 0.07 (n = 8). The peak value of I_CRAC in the I-V relationship was decreased by palmatine 10 μM and 100 μM. But the reverse potential of I_CRAC occurred at Voltage = 0 mV in all cells. Palmatine 0.3-100 μM failed to have any significant effect on either inward or outward components of I_K1 at any membrane potential examined.

CONCLUSION: The inhibitory effects on I_K and I_CRAC could be one of the mechanisms that palmatine exerts protective effect on hepatocytes.

Distribution of nitric oxide synthase in stomach myenteric plexus of rats

AIM: To study the distribution of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in rat stomach myenteric plexus.

METHODS: The distribution of NOS in gastric wall was studied in quantity and location by the NADPH-diaphorase (NDP) histochemical staining method and whole mount preparation technique.

RESULTS: NOS was distributed in whole stomach wall, most of them were located in myenteric plexus, and distributed in submucosal plexus. The shape of NOS positive neurons was basically similar, most of them being round and oval in shape. But their density, size and staining intensity varied greatly in the different parts of stomach. The density was 62 ± 38 cells/mm² (antrum), 43 ± 32 cells/mm² (body), and 32 ± 28 cells/mm² (fundus), respectively. The size and staining intensity of NOS positive neurons in the fundus were basically the same, the neurons being large and dark stained, while they were obviously different in antrum. In the body of the stomach, the NOS positive neurons were in an intermediate state from fundus to antrum. There were some beadlike structures which were strung together by NOS positive varicosities in nerve fibers, some were closely adherent to the outer walls of blood vessels.

CONCLUSION: Nitric oxide might be involved in the modulation of motility, secretion and blood circulation of the stomach, and the significant difference of NOS positive neurons in different parts of stomach myenteric plexus may be related to the physiologic function of stomach.