Full Answer
Kupffer cells can be found attached to sinusoidal endothelial cells in both the centrilobular and periportal regions of the hepatic lobules. Kupffer cell function and structures are specialized depending on their location.
Under normal conditions, these Kupffer cell populations are long-lived and self-renewing. However, if resident Kupffer cell populations are depleted, monocytes derived from hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow and transported through blood circulation to the liver can also fully differentiate into true Kupffer cells.
Kupffer cells are amoeboid in character, with surface features including microvilli, pseudopodia and lamellipodia, which project in every direction. The microvilli and pseudopodia play a role in the endocytosis of particles. The nucleus is indented and ovoid, and can be lobulated.
Kupffer cells have a proliferative capacity, allowing for cell populations to replenish themselves: this is in complete contrast to monocyte-derived macrophages that have no proliferative potential. Old or defective cells are removed through apoptosis, as well as through being phagocytized by neighbouring Kupffer cells.
the liverKupffer cells (also known as stellate sinusoidal macrophages or Kupffer-Browicz cells) are macrophages found in the sinusoids of the liver. In fact, Kupffer cells make up 80% to 90% of all the macrophages in the entire human body.
Kupffer cells are the resident (tissue) macrophages that line the sinusoids of the LIVER.
Kupffer cells, the resident macrophages of the liver, comprise the largest pool of tissue macrophages in the body. Within the liver sinusoids Kupffer cells perform functions common across many tissue macrophages including response to tissue damage and antigen presentation.
Kupffer cells are found in the liver.
The liver is dark red in the living animal because it is a blood reservoir.
Kupffer cells have a pivotal role in maintaining immune tolerance,6 although they are exposed to various molecules, including cytokines from the gut and spleen through PV.
Kupffer cells are resident liver macrophages and play a critical role in maintaining liver functions. Under physiological conditions, they are the first innate immune cells and protect the liver from bacterial infections.
Macrophages are constituents of the reticuloendothelial system (or mononuclear phagocyte system) and occur in almost all tissues of the body. In some instances, macrophages are fixed in one place within tissues, such as in the lymph nodes and the intestinal tract.
Kupffer cells are specialized stellate macrophages which function in the liver to remove ingested bacterial pathogens that enter from the gut to the blood. Hepatocytes are the majority of the liver cells which make up about 80% of the cells in the liver and they secrete bile.
Kupffer cells, also known as stellate macrophages and Kupffer–Browicz cells, are specialized cells localized in liver within the lumen of the liver sinusoids and are adhesive to their endothelial cells which make up the blood vessel walls. Kupffer cells contain the largest amount of tissue-resident macrophages in the body.
They are also important for host defense and play a role in the metabolism of many different compounds including, lipids, protein complexes and small particles. They are also useful in removing apoptotic cells from circulation. The amount of Kupffer cells is constant in the liver.
Kupffer cell activation is responsible for early ethanol-induced liver injury, common in chronic alcoholics. Chronic alcoholism and liver injury deal with a two hit system. The second hit is characterized by an activation of the Toll-like receptor 4 ( TLR4) and CD14, receptors on the Kupffer cell that internalize endotoxin ( lipopolysaccharide or LPS). This activates the transcription of pro-inflammatory cytokines ( Tumor necrosis factor-alpha or TNFα) and production of superoxides (a pro-oxidant). TNFα will then enter the stellate cell in the liver, leading to collagen synthesis and fibrosis. Fibrosis will eventually cause cirrhosis, or loss of function of the liver.
Kupffer cells can produce inflammatory cytokines, TNF-alpha, oxygen radicals, and proteases as well as performing phagocytosis.
Structure. The amoeboid shaped Kupffer cells are attached to sinusoidal endothelial cells. The surface of Kupffer cells contain microvilli, pseudopodia and lamellipodia, which project in every direction. The microvilli and pseudopodia play a role in the endocytosis of particles.
The average life of a Kupffer cell is around 3.8 days. The primary function of the Kupffer cell is to remove foreign debris and particles that have comes from the portal system when passing through the liver.
It is because of this that any change to Kupffer cell functions can be connected to various liver diseases such as alcoholic liver disease, viral hepatitis, intrahepatic cholestasis, steatohepatitis, activation or rejection of the liver during liver transplantation and liver fibrosis.
The kupffer cells present in the liver are amoeboid shaped, they are attached to sinusoidal endothelial cells. The surface of kupffer cells contains pseudopodia, lamellipodia, and microvilli. They are projected in every direction. The pseudopodia and microvilli play an important role in endocytosis.
The development of kupffer cells starts from the yolk sac of an individual, then they differentiate into fetal macrophages. When they are entering into the bloodstream, they will migrate to the fetal liver. Further, they complete their development and turns to kupffer cells.
The average life span of the kupffer cells is around 3 - 8 days. The primary kupffer cells function is to remove the foreign particles and debris, which enters the liver through the portal system. Usually, Kupffer cells will take large particles through phagocytosis and smaller particles through pinocytosis.