Activated stellate (Ito) cells possess voltage-activated calcium current

We previously reported stellate (Ito) cells possess voltage-activated Ca2current. The activation of stellate cells has been indicated to contribute to liver fibrosis and the regulation of hepatic hemodynamics. The aim of th is study was to investigate the relationship between voltage-activated Ca2 current and activation of stellate cells. Voltage-activated Ca2+ current i n stellate cells isolated from rats were studied using whole-cell patch cra mp technique. L-type voltage-activated Ca2+ current was hardly detected in stellate cells cultured for less than 9 days. Ca2+ current was detected 12. 5 and 69% of cells at the 10th and 14th day of culture, respectively. BrdU incorporation indicated cell proliferation was recognized over 50% of cells at the 3rd and 5th day of culture, respectively, then decreased significan tly in a time-dependent manner. On the other hand, the expression of alpha- smooth muscle actin indicated cell activation increased from 7th day of cul ture and collagen type I mRNA appeared remarkably in cells cultured for mor e than 10 days. In this study, we concluded L-type voltage-activated Ca2+ c urrent was recognized in activated stellate (myofibroblast-like) cells. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.