EVALUATION OF HYALURONIC-ACID BINDING ABILITY OF HEPATIC SINUSOIDAL ENDOTHELIAL-CELLS IN RATS WITH LIVER-CIRRHOSIS

Background & Aims: In liver cirrhosis, the binding and degradation of hyaluronic acid in the hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells are consid ered to be reduced by development of hepatic sinusoidal capillarizatio n, resulting in high sevum hyaluronic acid concentration, The aim of t his study is to clarify the cause of high blood hyaluronic acid concen tration in liver cirrhosis, Methods: Liver cirrhosis was induced in ra ts by thioacetamide administration. In vivo observation of sinusoidal capillarization, in vitro immunolocalization of factor VIII - related antigen and CD44, and [C-14]hyaluronic acid binding in cultured sinuso idal endothelial cells were determined, Results: Basement membranes we re observed on the basal side of sinusoidal endothelial cells, The fen estrae and fluorescent intensity of anti-CD44 bound to the cells decre ased with progression of hepatic fibrosis, Immunofluorescent reactive products of factor VIII-related antigen were more abundant in the cirr hotic vats compared with the controls, Amount of [C-14]hyaluronic acid binding was significantly decreased in the cirrhotic group compared w ith the controls, Conclusions: One reason that the blood hyaluronic ac id concentration increases markedly in liver cirrhosis is considered t o be the reduction in hyaluronic acid receptors of hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells and in the amount of hyaluronic acid binding to the cells.