Levercellerna

Levercellerna, also known as the "lever cells" or hepatocytes, are the primary functional cells of the liver. They play a crucial role in numerous metabolic, detoxification, and synthetic processes essential for maintaining overall health. Located within the liver’s lobules, these polyhedral cells are tightly packed and connected by gap junctions, allowing for coordinated function and communication.

Hepatocytes are responsible for a wide range of vital functions, including the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids. They regulate blood glucose levels by storing glycogen and releasing glucose when needed, while also synthesizing essential proteins such as albumin and clotting factors. Additionally, they process and detoxify drugs, hormones, and environmental toxins, converting harmful substances into less toxic compounds for excretion.

The liver’s ability to regenerate is closely tied to the regenerative capacity of hepatocytes. After injury or partial removal of the liver (e.g., in a partial hepatectomy), these cells can proliferate and restore liver mass. This regenerative process involves complex signaling pathways that control cell division and tissue repair.

Diseases affecting hepatocytes include viral hepatitis, cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, and liver cancer. Conditions such as hepatitis (inflammation caused by viral infection or toxins) can impair liver function, leading to fibrosis or scarring of the liver tissue. Chronic damage may progress to cirrhosis, where liver function deteriorates due to extensive scarring and loss of functional hepatocytes.

Research on hepatocytes continues to advance, with applications in regenerative medicine, drug development, and disease modeling. In vitro studies often utilize hepatocyte cultures or induced pluripotent stem cell-derived hepatocytes to simulate liver function and test treatments. These cells remain a key focus in understanding liver physiology and pathology, offering potential therapeutic avenues for liver-related disorders.