Perisinusoidal space

Definition
noun
The plasma-filled extravascular space in the liver, between a hepatocyte and a liver sinusoid
Supplement
The perisinusoidal space is the thin and narrow space between a hepatocyte and a liver sinusoid. It is filled with the blood plasma. It is also called the space of Disse. It was named after the German anatomist and histologist, Joseph Hugo Vincenz Disse.
In the perisusoidal space, the hepatic stellate cells are located. The hepatic stellate cells are nonparenchymal cells rich in cytoplasmic lipid droplets; hence, they are also called fat-storing cells or lipocytes. The cells store fat and fat soluble vitamins, e.g. vitamin A.^{1, 2}
The hepatocytes (i.e. large, polygonal-shaped, parenchyma cells in the liver) form microvilli that extend into the perisinusoidal space, thereby, permitting the absorption of proteins and other plasma components into the hepatocytes. Liver disease may narrow the space of Disse, hampering the uptake of nutrients and other molecules into the cells.
Word origin: Ancient Greek perí (“about, around”) + French sinusoïde + Latin adjective –ālis
Also called:

• space of Disse

See also:

Reference(s):

¹ Solbiati, L. & Aiani, L. (2003). Contrast-enhanced ultrasound of liver diseases. Milan: Springer. p.32.

² Stanciu A, Cotutiu C, Amalinei C (2002). “New data about ITO cells”. Rev Med Chir Soc Med Nat Iasi107 (2): 235–239.