The role of nitric oxide in kupffer cell-hepatocyte interactions

Brian G. Harbrecht*, Timothy R. Billiar

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

60 Scopus citations

Abstract

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.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)79-87
Number of pages9
JournalShock
Volume3
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 1995
Externally publishedYes

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