Desmin-containing stellate cells in rat liver; distribution in normal animals and response to experimental acute liver injury.

Using immunohistochemical methods, we have confirmed that the perisinusoidal cells in rat liver express the intermediate filament protein, desmin, and we have used this marker for identification of the cells on light microscopy. The study has been extended to quantify the response of perisinusoidal cells to acute liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride. A significant increase in desmin-positive cells was observed in areas of necrosis as early as 48 h following the administration of a single bolus of carbon tetrachloride. This reached a peak at 72 h, with a five-fold increase in desmin-positive cells in areas of necrosis. These observations are consistent with the hypothesis that perisinusoidal cells are involved in the response to acute liver injury. Anti-desmin antibodies are of potential value in further characterizing the functional role of perisinusoidal cells in normal and diseased liver.