The effect of ethanol on asialoglycoprotein receptor-mediated phagocytosis of apoptotic cells by rat hepatocytes.

Apoptotic cell death is a well-defined process that is controlled by intrinsic cellular mechanisms followed by the generation of apoptotic bodies and their subsequent rapid elimination through the action of phagocytic cells. Within the liver, the asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGP-R) has been shown to be involved in the phagocytosis of apoptotic hepatocytes, as well as altered cellular endocytic events after ethanol administration. The goal of the present study was to further clarify the capacity of ASGP-R to phagocytose apoptotic cells in relationship to the damaging events that occur with alcohol consumption.