Endothelial and macrophage markers employed to distinguish LSEC from KC by immunofluoresence in mouse liver sections.

aThe abbreviations used are: RIIb, Fcγ receptor IIb; MR, mannose receptor; vWF, von Willebrand factor; Cav1, Caveolin 1.bLSEC were defined morphologically in DIC images as a thin cellular layer lining the sinusoidal lumens. KC were definable by the markers employed and by their situation in sinusoids on LSEC. The veins (V), either portal or central, were identifiable by their large luminal size in DIC images. Immunofluorescence intensity was graded on a subjective +/− scale as follows: +++, intense; ++, moderate; +/−, weak and inconsistent; -, no fluorescence above background. Sections of spleen and yolk sac were used as positive controls for antibodies directed at macrophages and endothelial cells, respectively. Note that some endothelial cell markers label the liver veins.cSections of RIIb KO liver show no LSEC fluorescence with mab 2.4G2 anti- FcγRII/III/IV, indicating that only RIIb and not FcγRIII/IV are expressed on LSEC in WT liver; however, KC staining remains +/− in the RIIb-KO liver indicating KC expression of FcγRIII/IV. RIIb expression in KC cannot readily be assessed by this strategy.dThe labeling was not consistent among the triplicate livers with this antibody.eNo consistent labeling within all LSEC and all lobes of liver with this antibody.