CCR2 promotes hepatic fibrosis in mice.

ABSTRACT:

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Chemokines and chemokine receptors contribute to the migration of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and Kupffer cells, two key cell types in fibrogenesis. Here, we investigate the role of CCR2, the receptor for monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, MCP-2, and MCP-3, in hepatic fibrosis. Hepatic CCR2, MCP-1, MCP-2, and MCP-3 messenger RNA expression was increased after bile duct ligation (BDL). Both Kupffer cells and HSCs, but not hepatocytes, expressed CCR2. BDL- and CCl(4)-induced fibrosis was markedly reduced in CCR2(-/-) mice as assessed through collagen deposition, alpha-smooth muscle actin expression, and hepatic hydroxyproline content. We generated CCR2 chimeric mice by the combination of clodronate, irradiation, and bone marrow (BM) transplantation allowing full r

SUBMITTER: Seki E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2705470 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature