What is the Function of Pancreatic Stellate Cells?
Under normal conditions, PSCs remain in a quiescent state characterized by the presence of vitamin A-containing lipid droplets in their cytoplasm. Their primary function in this state is to maintain the balance of the extracellular matrix by producing small amounts of ECM components such as collagen.
However, upon activation by various factors such as inflammation, injury, or oxidative stress, PSCs transform into an activated myofibroblast-like phenotype. In this state, they proliferate, migrate, and produce large amounts of ECM components, leading to fibrosis. Activated PSCs also secrete cytokines and chemokines that perpetuate the inflammatory response.
