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New insights into the dynamics of sinusoidal endothelial fenestrae in liver sinusoidal endothelial cells

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Abstract

Ultrastructural studies have shown that liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) contain a cytoskeletal framework of filamentous actin, and that the presence of actin in the form of a calmodulin—actomyosin complex is responsible for regulation of the diameter of sinusoidal endothelial fenestrae (SEF). Rho has emerged as an important regulator of the actin cytoskeleton and consequently of cell morphology. We investigated actin filaments in relation to SEF in LSEC using heavy meromyosin decorated reaction and elucidated the roles of Rho and actin cytoskeleton in morphological and functional alterations of SEF. Second, according to intracytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration, plasma membrane Ca2+Mg2+-ATPase activities were clearly demonstrated on the outer surface of the labyrinth-like SEF in the isolated LSECs. Furthermore, by investigating intracytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration, we have demonstrated plasma membrane Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase activities on the outer surface of the labyrinth-like SEF in the isolated LSECs. Currently, the majority of fenestral studies are focused on finding ways to increase the liver sieve’s porosity, which is reduced through pathological mechanisms.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Kitasato Institute Medical Center Hospital, 6-100 Arai, Kitamoto, Saitama, 364-8501, Japan

    Hiroaki Yokomori

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  1. Hiroaki Yokomori
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Correspondence to Hiroaki Yokomori.

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Dr. Hiroaki Yokomori, of the Department of Internal Medicine, Kitasato Medical Center Hospital, Saitama, Japan, is the winner of the Japanese Society for Clinical Molecular Morphology Award for Promoting Young Researchers in 2007. Dr. Yokomori was recognized for his great contribution in elucidating the role of sinusoidal endothelial fenestrae in the physiology and pathology of the liver.

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Yokomori, H. New insights into the dynamics of sinusoidal endothelial fenestrae in liver sinusoidal endothelial cells. Med Mol Morphol 41, 1–4 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00795-007-0390-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00795-007-0390-7

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