space of Disse
Summary
The space of Disse is the perisinusoidal space between hepatocytes and liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, containing the extracellular matrix and serving as the site of lymph formation and metabolic exchange. It's clinically significant in liver fibrosis, where stellate cell activation leads to excessive collagen deposition in this space.
Detail
The space of Disse (perisinusoidal space) is a narrow extracellular compartment located between the basolateral surface of hepatocytes and the sinusoidal endothelial cells in the liver. This space contains the extracellular matrix (ECM), including collagen types I, III, and IV, fibronectin, and proteoglycans. Hepatic stellate cells (Ito cells) reside in this space and normally store vitamin A in lipid droplets. The space of Disse is fenestrated, allowing free exchange of plasma and small molecules between blood and hepatocytes, facilitating metabolic functions. It serves as the primary site of hepatic lymph formation. In pathological conditions, particularly chronic liver injury, hepatic stellate cells become activated myofibroblasts that proliferate and deposit excessive collagen in the space of Disse, leading to capillarization of sinusoids (loss of fenestrations) and ultimately hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis. This process impairs the normal metabolic exchange between blood and hepatocytes and contributes to portal hypertension. The space of Disse is also where lipoproteins are assembled and secreted, making it crucial for lipid metabolism.
Sources
- Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease
- Junqueira's Basic Histology
- Sherlock's Diseases of the Liver and Biliary System
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