[Expression of integrin alpha 6 in hepatic sinusoidal capillaration].

OBJECTIVE

To explore the expression of integrin alpha 6 in hepatic sinusoidal capillaration.

METHODS

The rat hepatic fibrosis model was established by injection of carbon tetrachloride subcutaneously. Then the expression of laminin and integrin alpha 6 subunit was observed by immunohistochemistry and dot immuno-blotting.

RESULTS

We observed sinusoidal capillaration formed by deposition of laminin along sinusoids in Disse interspace by immunohistochemistry staining. In normal rat the expression of integrin alpha 6 was restricted to portal vascular endothelial cells and bile duct epithelial cell membranes. No expression was observed in sinusoidal endothelial cell membranes. When capillaration integrin alpha 6 was detected in a continuous pattern along the sinusoids, the content of integrin alpha 6 was significantly higher in fibrotic liver tissues than in normal liver tissues as measured by dot immuno-blotting (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

During fibrogenesis, laminin continuously accumulate in liver tissues and form basement membrane resulting in sinusoidal capillaration, and then induce the expression of integrin alpha 6 on SEC membranes.