FIG. 3.

Functional role of HSCs during the hepatic regenerative response. Activated HSCs (aHSCs) have a number of key functions during the hepatic regenerative response. A) aHSCs produce platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) to upregulate the plasminogen system, enabling ECM remodelling and the release of pre‐formed hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) – the primary mitogen for hepatocytes. B) Production of extracellular matrix (ECM) protects against ongoing damage and provides a ‘scaffold’ for repair. C) aHSCs drive regeneration through autocrine and paracrine signalling. Norepinephrine (NE) enhances the mitogenic effect of HGF. D) aHSCs regulate vessel stabilisation and sinusoidal remodelling through direct and paracrine interactions with liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs). Abbreviations: TGF ß1, transforming growth factor beta 1; VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor.