Stellate cell

Stellate cell

File:Stellate cell.jpg

A stellate cell is a type of cell that is found in the liver and the pancreas.

A stellate cell is a type of cell that is found in the liver and the pancreas. These cells play a crucial role in the body's response to injury and disease, particularly in the development of fibrosis and cirrhosis of the liver.

Structure

Stellate cells are star-shaped, hence their name, which is derived from the Latin word for star, "stella". They are located in the space of Disse, a small area between the sinusoids and hepatocytes in the liver, and in the periacinar space in the pancreas.

Function

In the liver, stellate cells are responsible for the storage of vitamin A and the production of extracellular matrix proteins. When the liver is damaged, these cells transform into myofibroblasts, which produce collagen and other proteins that contribute to the formation of scar tissue.

In the pancreas, stellate cells are involved in the development of pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. They produce inflammatory and fibrogenic cytokines, which can lead to the progression of these diseases.

Clinical significance

Stellate cells are a target for the treatment of liver diseases such as cirrhosis and fibrosis. Drugs that can inhibit the activation of stellate cells or promote their apoptosis (cell death) are currently being researched.

See also

• Hepatic stellate cell
• Pancreatic stellate cell
• Fibrosis
• Cirrhosis