When stellate cells become activated, they secrete large amounts of scar tissue and lose the majority of their vitamin A droplets. Accumulated scar tissue causes hepatoctyes to lose their fingerlike projections (i.e., microvilli) and interferes with their normal function; it also causes endothelial cells to become less porous, which leads to impaired exchange of nutrients and other molecules to and from the sinusoids. Activation of Kupffer cells by alcohol may be responsible for setting off this chain of events. Note: Artist's conception; not drawn to scale.

Source: Friedman, S.L. Scarring in alcoholic liver disease: New insights and emerging therapies. Alcohol Health & Research World 21(4):310–316, 1997.

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Updated: October 2000