Problems of Forensic Sciences 2007 Vol. 72 (LXXII) 357-378
THE ROLE OF THE LIVER IN XENOBIOTIC BIOTRANSFORMATION. PART I. THE ROLE OF THE LIVER AND ITS CELLS AND THEIR INTERACTIONS
Marcin KAMIŃSKI, Ryszard WIADERKIEWICZ
Chair of Morphology, Silesian Medical University, Katowice, Poland
Streszczenie
The liver is the largest exocrine gland of the human body, which also plays the crucial role in biotransformation and detoxification of many both endogenous and exogenous compounds. In the presented article we describe the general organisation of this organ, as well as the structure and function of both parenchymal (hepatocytes) and nonparenchymal (Kupffer, stellate, endothelial, pit) liver cells. The activity of liver cells changes in response to substances and factors contained in blood that flows through the sinusoids. The intimate contacts and interactions between the above cell types help them to respond to the constantly changing environment in an organised manner and ensure proper function and homeostasis of the liver.
The paper was presented at the inaugural session of the XXIV Conference of Forensic Toxicologists, Wisla, 16–18 May, 2006.
Słowa kluczowe
Liver; Hepatocytes; Nonparenchymal cells.