Table 1.
Major cell type distribution in the liver and their known functions.
| Cell type | Population frequency (%) | Functions | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hepatocytes | 60-80% of total liver cell population |
Metabolism of protein, steroids, fats, bile secretion, sugar storage and xenobiotic metabolism. | Hepatic parenchyma |
| Hepatic stellate cells (HSC) | 5-8% of non-parenchymal cells |
Storage for fat and vitamin A, control and turnover of extracellular matrix components and secretion of growth factors. | Space of Disse |
| Kupffer cells (KC) (macrophages) | 33.3% of non-parenchymal cells |
Role in phagocytosis, cytokines responsible for inflammatory response and liver regeneration (such as TNF-α, IL-1b), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), antigen processing and iron metabolism. | Sinusoidal lumen |
| Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSEC) | 50% of non-parenchymal cells |
Filtration and transport of nutrients from blood, lipid metabolism, adhesion molecules for leukocytes, nitric oxide production, modulating vascular tone, presenting antigens, endocytosis, cytokine secretion, eicosanoid release. | Sinusoidal lining |