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Kupffer cells, also known as stellate macrophages and Kupffer–Browicz cells, are specialized cells localized in the liver within the lumen of the liver sinusoids and are adhesive to their endothelial cells which make up the blood vessel walls. Kupffer cells comprise the largest population of tissue-resident macrophages in the body.
The cells are primarily monocytes and macrophages, and they accumulate in lymph nodes and the spleen. The Kupffer cells of the liver and tissue histiocytes are also part of the MPS. The mononuclear phagocyte system and the monocyte macrophage system refer to two different entities, often mistakenly understood as one.
Investigations concerning Kupffer cells are hampered because in humans, Kupffer cells are only accessible for immunohistochemical analysis from biopsies or autopsies. From rats and mice, they are difficult to isolate, and after purification, only approximately 5 million cells can be obtained from one mouse.
The main liver cells are called hepatocytes; however, there are other cells that can be observed in a liver sample such as Kupffer cells (macrophages). [2] The liver is the biggest gland of the body. It has a wide variety of functions that range from the destruction of old blood cells to the control of the whole metabolism of macromolecules. [3]
CD68 immunostaining demonstrating macrophages and giant cells in a case of xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis. CD68 (Cluster of Differentiation 68) is a protein highly expressed by cells in the monocyte lineage (e.g., monocytic phagocytes, osteoclasts), by circulating macrophages, and by tissue macrophages (e.g., Kupffer cells, microglia). [5]
General macrophage targets [10] [8] Kupffer cell: Monocyte: Macrophage: Stellate macrophages; Kupffer–Browicz cells; Liver macrophage; Macrophagocytus stellatus; 20-21 Foreign debris; General macrophage targets [11] [8] Alveolar macrophage: Monocyte: Macrophage: Pulmonary macrophage; Dust cell; 20-21 Carbon debris from lungs; General ...
Hence the hepatic clearance of circulating waste was attributed to the liver macrophages, or Kupffer cells. [26] However, by a recent re-investigation of the original vital stain experiments carried out 100–140 years ago [ 27 ] it was concluded that the vital stain accumulated mainly in LSECs.
The studies showed that the cell system that Aschoff described as RES in the liver were liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs), but not liver macrophages (Kupffer cells). [6] In most present-day text books and articles the term RES is used synonymously with MPS.