The perisinusoidal space (or space of Disse) is a location in the
liver between a hepatocyte and a sinusoid. It contains the blood plasma. Microvilli of
hepatocytes extend into this space, allowing proteins and other plasma components from the sinusoids to be absorbed by the
hepatocytes. Fenestration and discontinuity of the endothelium, as well as its basement membrane, facilitates this transport. This space may be obliterated in
liver disease, leading to decreased uptake by
hepatocytes of nutrients and wastes such as
bilirubin. The perisinusoidal space also contains
hepatic stellate cells (also known as cells of Ito), which store fat or fat soluble vitamins including vitamin A). A variety of insults that cause inflammation can result in the cells transforming into myofibroblasts, resulting in collagen production,
fibrosis, and cirrhosis. The Space of Disse was named after German anatomist Joseph Disse (1852-1912). Mescher, Anthony L. The Circulatory System. Junquieras Basic Histology. 12th ...