Hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells

This chapter addresses the structure and function of hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells and their role in various disease states. Hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells have a phenotype which is distinctive from other endothelial cells, notably due to the presence of fenestrae and the lack of a basement membrane. These features permit active roles in endocytosis, antigen presentation, and regulation of liver hemodynamics. Injury instigates loss of this specialized phenotype and contributes to the pathogenesis of multiple disease states, including cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells have also been implicated in liver regeneration, fibrogenesis, and pathological angiogenesis.