Ultrastructural study of pancreatic stellate cells in experimental pancreatic fibrosis / 中华肝胆外科杂志

ABSTRACT

ObjectiveTo investigate the morphological and ultrastructural characteristics of pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) in a chronic pancreatitis murine model.MethodsSprague-Dawley rats were divided into experimental group (n=12) and control group (n=12).The experimental group was fed with a high-fat diet (HFD) for 16 weeks whereas the control group received regular rat feed.Pathologic changes in the pancreas were observed by several morphological studies including a Sirius Red staining method,as well as immunostaining for desmin and a smooth muscle actin (a-SMA).TEM and immunoelectron microscopy were performed to study the ultrastructure of the PSCs.Results The number of desmin and α-SMA positive cells significantly increased in the HFD groups compared to the control group.The quiescent and activated PSC cells both coexisted in the pancreas in the HFD group.ConclusionsThe morphology and ultrastructural study of pancreatic stellate cells may be helpful for further functional studies on chronic pancreatic fibrosis.