Hepatic stellate cells, also known as Ito cells, are pericytes found in the perisinusoidal space (a small area between the sinusoids and hepatocytes) of the liver. The stellate cell is the major cell type involved in liver fibrosis, which is the formation of scar tissue in response to liver damage.

In normal liver, stellate cells are described as being in a quiescent state. Each cell has several long protrusions that extend from the cell body and wrap around the sinusoids. They contain lipid droplets in the cell body that store vitamin A. The function and role of quiescent hepatic stellate cells is unclear.

When the liver is damaged, stellate cells can change into an activated state. The activated stellate cell is characterized by proliferation, contractility, and chemotaxis. The activated stellate cell is also responsible for secreting collagen scar tissue, which can lead to cirrhosis.

Hepatology

肝臟星狀細胞