Hepatocyte apoptosis and stellate cell activation are both features of chronic liver diseases,
but a relationship between these events has not been explored. In macrophages,
engulfment of apoptotic bodies induces expression of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β),
a profibrogenic cytokine. We examined whether a similar response occurs in stellate cells.
Fluorescently labeled hepatocyte apoptotic bodies were added to cultures of primary and
immortalized human stellate cells. Stellate cells, but not hepatocytes, readily engulfed …