The role of nitric oxide in Kupffer cell-hepatocyte interactions

A certain level of normal or near-normal hepatic function is essential for survival. Over the last few years, the importance of the regulation of hepatic function by the interaction of specific cell populations in the liver has become increasingly evident. Kupffer cells, the fixed hepatic macrophage...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Shock (Augusta, Ga.) Ga.), 1995-02, Vol.3 (2), p.79-87
Main Authors: Harbrecht, B G, Billiar, T R
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Amino Acid Oxidoreductases - metabolism
Animals
Cell Communication
Homeostasis
Humans
Inflammation
Ischemia - physiopathology
Kupffer Cells - physiology
Liver - blood supply
Liver - physiology
Nitric Oxide - physiology
Nitric Oxide Synthase
Shock, Hemorrhagic - physiopathology
Shock, Septic - physiopathology
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Summary:A certain level of normal or near-normal hepatic function is essential for survival. Over the last few years, the importance of the regulation of hepatic function by the interaction of specific cell populations in the liver has become increasingly evident. Kupffer cells, the fixed hepatic macrophages, have the ability to profoundly affect hepatocyte function, while hepatocytes, in turn, possess the capacity to modify Kupffer cell function. Nitric oxide, produced from the amino acid L-arginine, is a short-lived radical that is a potent mediator of cellular function and cell-cell interaction, and is synthesized by both Kupffer cells and hepatocytes. The purpose of this review is to examine the numerous areas in which nitric oxide may mediate the interactions between Kupffer cells and hepatocytes, and therefore regulate both normal and abnormal hepatic physiology and function.
ISSN:1073-2322
DOI:10.1097/00024382-199502000-00001