Plasminogen deficiency results in poor clearance of non-fibrin matrix and persistent activation of hepatic stellate cells after an acute injury

Background/Aims: Plasminogen directs matrix proteolysis during liver repair. Based on the role of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) on matrix production, we investigated whether plasminogen-driven matrix proteolysis modulates the phenotype of HSCs. Methods: Carbon tetrachloride was injected intraperitoneally into mice deficient in plasminogen, fibrinogen, or both, and to normal littermates, followed by determination of the phenotype of HSCs, matrix deposition, and apoptosis. Results: Activation of HSCs was restricted to the zone of injury and increased >ten-fold above baseline regardless of the plasminogen status 2 days after toxin. Thereafter, the number of activated HSCs decreased to baseline levels between 7 and 14 days in normal mice, but remained elevated in plasminogen-deficient livers ∼ten-fold above non-targeted littermates. Despite the zonal increase in activated HSCs, the total number of desmin-stained HSCs was similar along the Iobule in both genotypes. No appreciable difference in apoptosis of perisinusoidal cells was found between genotypes; however, fibrillary material was present in the subsinusoidal space of Plg⁰ livers. This fibrillary material was not fibrin, as demonstrated by similar findings in Plg⁰/Fib⁰ mice, which accumulated fibronectin in injured areas. Conclusions: Proteolytic clearance of non-fibrin matrix components by plasminogen must occur for HSCs to restore the quiescent phenotype during liver repair.