Background/Aims: Mast cell numbers are markedly increased in advanced liver fibrosis.
Stem cell factor may recruit mast cells to the liver following injury as it induces mast cell
proliferation, survival and differentiation from resident tissue precursors. This study
examines stem cell factor production in human fibrotic liver and by hepatic stellate cells
during culture in vitro. Methods: Stem cell factor production was examined in human fibrotic
livers by ELISA and in human and rat hepatic stellate cell cultures using reverse …