Kupffer cells are specialized liver cells that play a major role in the body's

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Kupffer cells are protective, specialized cells in the liver that play a major phagocytic role in the body's defense against invading organisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Kupffer cells also protect the hepatocytes by engulfing toxic or harmful substances, including ethanol from alcohol ingestion. The importance of this cell function is still being studied. A recent study reported that activation of the Kupffer cells may reduce liver damage from hepatocarcinoma and from ingestion of alcohol or other toxic agents. The amazing durability of the liver, despite disease and repeated onslaughts from harmful substances, may be partly due to the activity of the Kupffer cells, arginine, and urea. Arginine is a useful amino acid, and urea is a waste product that is excreted.

Kupffer Cells Are Specialized Liver Cells That Play a Major