CD95 ligand induces proliferation and CD95-tyrosine nitration in quiescent rat hepatic stellate cells

Introduction: Quiescent hepatic stellate cells (HSC) are fairly resistant to CD95 ligand (CD95L)-induced apoptotic cell death, while apoptosis upon CD95L-treatment has been observed in activated HSC/myofibroblasts when cycloheximide (CHX) was co-administered [1]. Recently, quiescent HSC have been reported to express CD133 and to represent a hepatic progenitor cell compartment [2]. Methods: Rat hepatic stellate cells were either cultivated for 1–2 days (quiescent HSC) or 10–14 days (activated HSC) on plastic culture dishes. Activation of Src, EGFR, Erks and JNKs were measured by W. blot using respective phospho-s…