BACKGROUND & AIMS: Plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) plays a crucial role in the regulation of extracellular matrix-degrading enzymes and in the production of fibrogenic mediators such as transforming growth factor beta through inhibition of plasminogen activation. Because hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), the principal matrix-producing cell of the liver, might also affect extracellular matrix degradation and growth factor activation, the aim of this study was to analyze PAI-1 expression and its regulation in HSCs compared with other liver cells. METHODS: PAI-1 synthesis of liver cells at different time points of primary culture was studied by immunoprecipitation of endogenously labeled proteins followed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and by Northern blotting. RESULTS: Among the various types of liver cells, PAI-1 protein and specific transcripts were present in HSCs and endothelial cells, and no major PAI-1 synthesis was detected in Kupffer cells and hepatocytes. Transforming growth factor beta 1, tissue plasminogen activator, and dexamethasone increased PAI-1 production in HSCs. CONCLUSIONS: Apart from their role as the principal connective tissue-producing cell of the liver, HSCs might regulate extracellular matrix accumulation by modulating the activities of matrix-degrading enzymes and fibrogenic mediators through the production of PAI-1.
BACKGROUND & AIMS:Plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) plays a crucial role in the regulation of extracellular matrix-degrading enzymes and in the production of fibrogenic mediators such as transforming growth factor beta through inhibition of plasminogen activation. Because hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), the principal matrix-producing cell of the liver, might also affect extracellular matrix degradation and growth factor activation, the aim of this study was to analyze PAI-1 expression and its regulation in HSCs compared with other liver cells. METHODS:PAI-1 synthesis of liver cells at different time points of primary culture was studied by immunoprecipitation of endogenously labeled proteins followed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and by Northern blotting. RESULTS: Among the various types of liver cells, PAI-1 protein and specific transcripts were present in HSCs and endothelial cells, and no major PAI-1 synthesis was detected in Kupffer cells and hepatocytes. Transforming growth factor beta 1, tissue plasminogen activator, and dexamethasone increased PAI-1 production in HSCs. CONCLUSIONS: Apart from their role as the principal connective tissue-producing cell of the liver, HSCs might regulate extracellular matrix accumulation by modulating the activities of matrix-degrading enzymes and fibrogenic mediators through the production of PAI-1.
Authors: Fabio Piscaglia; József Dudás; Thomas Knittel; Paola Di Rocco; Dominik Kobold; Bernhard Saile; Maria Assunta Zocco; Rupert Timpl; Giuliano Ramadori Journal: Cell Tissue Res Date: 2009-07-17 Impact factor: 5.249