TWEAK induces liver progenitor cell proliferation
J. Clin. Invest. Aniela Jakubowski, et al. 115:2330 doi:10.1172/JCI23486 [Go to this article.]

Figure 5
Ad-TWEAK administration in adult mice induces oval cell and biliary duct hyperplasia in the absence of significant liver damage. Mice were dosed with either Ad-TWEAK or Ad-control, as described in Methods, and livers were obtained 3 or 7 days later for TUNEL staining or 7 days later for H&E, A6, and CD34 staining. Serial frozen sections were stained with A6 or CD34 in order to assess marker coexpression. (A–C) Ad-TWEAK treated mice. (A) H&E staining showing a marked oval cell and ductal hyperplasia. (B) Extensive A6 and (C) CD34 coexpression on oval cells and duct-like cells and on BECs. (D–F) Ad-control–treated mice. (D) H&E staining showing an inflammatory response induced by Ad-control vector. (E) A6 and (F) CD34 coexpressed on bile ducts in the portal tract region and CD34 additionally expressed on vessels. Magnification, ×200. (G) Serum ALT measured in IU/l 3 days after adenoviral administration, showing no signs of liver damage. (H) TUNEL staining at days 3 and 7 after Ad-control or Ad-TWEAK administration. Magnification, ×400.