Stellate Cells in Health and Disease

Stellate Cells in Health and Disease is a comprehensive reference providing the most up-to-date knowledge and perspectives of the function of stellate cells affecting the liver. Coverage of the already established role in hepatic fibrosis as well as the newer emerging evidence for stellate cell participation in the liver cell (hepatocyte) survival and regeneration, hepatic immunobiology including transplant tolerance, and liver cancer is included. Chapters describe both animal and human research and the relevance of findings from animal research to human pathophysiology. Each chapter also contains a section on future directions which will be of special interest to basic and clinical researchers working on liver fibrosis, hepatic biology and pathobiology; general scientists, physicians and medical researchers. * Presents coverage of the mechanisms of liver fibrosis with stellate cells as a target for therapy.* Shows stellate cells as a major participant in hepatic immunobilogy including transplantation immunology.* Key illustrations show the phenotypical changes in stellate cells in situ and tissue culture, their interactions with other cell types, signaling pathways and demonstrate the functions and roles of stellate cell in pathological processes.