How many types of hepatocytes are there?

Hepatocytes make up the liver and have subtypes based on their specific functions. There are two main types of hepatocytes, classified based on where they are located within the liver lobule: periportal hepatocytes and pericentral (centrilobular) hepatocytes. Between these two regions is Zone 2, which contains hepatocytes with features that fall somewhere in between.

Periportal hepatocytes: The cells are located closer to the portal vein and receive the highest supply of oxygen and nutrients. These cells are mainly responsible for energy-producing processes such as glucose production, fatty acid breakdown, cholesterol synthesis, and ammonia detoxification through the urea cycle.

Pericentral hepatocytes: The cells are located near the central vein. Here, the oxygen supply is low. These cells are highly specialized for detoxification. They contain abundant cytochrome P450 enzymes that help break down drugs, alcohol, and other potentially harmful substances. They also contribute to lipid metabolism and bile acid production.

The hepatocytes in Zone 2 bridge the gap between these two regions and carry out a mix of metabolic functions. Recent studies also suggest that some Zone 2 hepatocytes have a particularly strong ability to regenerate, helping the liver repair itself after injury.

Despite these functional differences, both hepatocyte subtypes work in collaboration for adequate liver function. These cells make up 70–80% of the liver’s total cell mass. These cells are responsible for protein synthesis, nutrient regulation, bile production, toxin removal, and liver regeneration. Understanding the different types of hepatocytes is crucial in understanding their dysfunction that leads to specific disease. In biomedical and regenerative research, hepatocytes are widely used in liver disease modeling, drug development, toxicology testing, and regenerative medicine research.