Relationship between Mast Cells and Hepatic Myofibroblasts Induced Cirrhosis Rats
Raksawan Poonkhum PhD*, Siripa Rodniem BSc*, Nattpawit Kaewnoonual MSc*,**, Cheng Nilbu-nga MD*, Wisuit Pradidarcheep PhD*
Affiliation : * Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok, Thailand ** Anatomy Unit, Department of Medical Science, Faculty of Science, Rangsit University, Pathumthani, Thailand
Objective : The hepatic myofibroblasts (hepatic MFs) can be divided into 3 groups: (a) portal/septal MFs; (b) activated
hepatic stellate cell myofibroblasts (HSC/MFs); and (c) interface myofibroblasts (IF/MFs). The portal/septal MFs situated in
portal triad, HSC/MFs located in space of Disse and IF/MFs lay in the rim of hepatic nodule. This study was aimed to elucidate
the relationship between mast cells and hepatic MFs in cirrhotic rats induced by thioacetamide (TAA).
Material and Method: The rats were divided into two groups: control group, TAA-induced. The rats were treated with TAA
administration (200 mg/kg) 3 times per week to induce cirrhosis (TAA-induced cirrhosis group). The hepatic MFs and mast
cells were demonstrated by light and transmission electron microscopy.
Results : The hepatic MFs were often seen to locate in the connective tissue of cirrhotic liver. HSC/MF localized in space of
Disse adjacent to mast cells. IF/MFs were also present at the margin of hepatic nodules closed to mast cell. Mast cells were
predominantly found together with plasma cells in portal areas in proximity to lymphatic capillary.
Conclusion : The present study demonstrated that mast cells were usually situated in close vicinity to the hepatic MFs and
lymphatic capillary. It is probable that mast cells directly or indirectly involved in fibrogenesis and lymphangiogenesis in
cirrhotic liver.
Keywords : Mast cell, Hepatic myofibroblast, Induced cirrhosis
