Actin filaments around endothelial fenestrae in rat hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells

Abstract

The presence of microfilaments in the vicinity of sinusoidal endothelial fenestrae (SEF) suggests that the cytoskeleton of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSEC) plays an important role in the modulation of SEF. In this study, we investigated actin filaments around SEF in LSECs. Monolayers of LSEC culture were established by infusing a rat liver with collagenase for 30 min and then culturing in RMPI medium for 24 h. Cells were reacted with 0.1% Triton X for 5 s and 15% glycerinated PHEM buffer (60 mM PIPES, 25 mM HEPES, 10 mM EGTA, 2 mM MgCl, pH 6.9) containing heavy meromyosin for 10 min and observed under a transmission electron microscope. By electron microscopy with the modified heavy meromyosin decorated reaction, actin filaments were clearly demonstrated around SEF in LSEC.