Telocytes in liver regeneration: possible roles

Telocytes ( TC s) are a novel type of interstitial cells which are potentially involved in tissue regeneration and repair ( www.telocytes.com ). Previously, we documented the presence of TC s in liver. However, the possible roles of TC s in liver regeneration remain unknown. In this study, a murine model of partial hepatectomy ( PH ) was used to induce liver regeneration. The number of TC s detected by double labelling immunofluorescence methods ( CD 34/ PDGFR ‐α, CD 34/ PDGFR ‐ß and CD 34/Vimentin) was significantly increased when a high level of hepatic cell proliferation rate (almost doubled) as shown by 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine (EdU) immunostaining and Western Blot of Proliferating cell nuclear antigen ( PCNA ) was found at 48 and 72 hrs post‐ PH . Meanwhile, the number of CK ‐19 positive‐hepatic stem cells peaked at 72 hrs post‐ PH , co‐ordinating with the same time‐point, when the number of TC s was most significantly increased. Taken together, the results indicate a close relationship between TC s and the cells essentially involved in liver regeneration: hepatocytes and stem cells. It remains to be determined how TC s affect hepatocytes proliferation and/or hepatic stem cell differentiation in liver regeneration. Besides intercellular junctions, we may speculate a paracrine effect via ectovesicles.