Immunohistochemical and ultrastructural study of ito cells (fat-storing cells) in response to extrahepatic bile duct ligation in broiler chickens

The Ito cell (fat-storing cell) lies in perisinusoidal space of river and h as a variety of functions. We investigated the immunohistochemistry and ult rastructure of Ito cells in normal and cholestatic livers of broiler chicke ns. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated that Ito cells expressed HHF35 muscle actin, vimentin, desmin, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), neuron-sp ecific enolase (NSE), chromogranin A and cytokeratins in normal livers. The se cells were diffusely scattered throughout the lobules. Livers treated wi th extrahepatic bile duct ligation (BDL) showed cholestasis, fibrosis, prol iferation of biliary ductules and Ito cells. The Ito cells were frequently found in fibrotic areas and were larger in size with more extensive immunor eactivity than those of normal livers. Ultrastructural study demonstrated t hat Ito cells were closely associated with the production of collagen fiber s in BDL livers. These findings suggest that Ito cells actively react again st hepatocytic injuries and play a major role in the hepatic fibrogenesis o f cholestatic livers of chickens.