Perisinusoidal space

The perisinusoidal space (or space of Disse) is a space between a hepatocyte, and a sinusoid in the liver. It contains the blood plasma. Microvilli of hepatocytes extend into this space, allowing proteins and other plasma components from the sinusoids to be absorbed by the hepatocytes. Fenestration and discontinuity of the sinusoid endothelium facilitates this transport.^[1] The perisinusoidal space also contains hepatic stellate cells (also known as Ito cells or lipocytes), which store vitamin A in characteristic lipid droplets.^[2]

Perisinusoidal space
Sinusoid of a rat liver with fenestrated endothelial cells. Fenestrae are approx 100 nm diameter, and the sinusoidal width 5 µm. Scanning electron micrograph by Robin Fraser, University of Otago.
Basic liver structure
Details
Location	Liver
Identifiers
Latin	spatium perisinusoideum
TH	H3.04.05.0.00012
Anatomical terms of microanatomy [edit on Wikidata]

This space may be obliterated in liver disease, leading to decreased uptake by hepatocytes of nutrients and wastes such as bilirubin.

The Space of Disse is named for the German anatomist Joseph Disse (1852–1912).^[3]

Pathophysiology

Fibrosis

Liver injury from a number of causes can activate the hepatic stellate cells into transdifferentiated and prolific myofibroblasts.^[4] The myofibroblasts synthesize and secrete components of the extracellular matrix including collagen into the perisinusoidal space.^[4] This in turn promotes the development of fibrosis, and continuing fibrosis is thought to be responsible for the development of cirrhosis, and liver cancer.^[5]