Cellular recognition by rat liver cells of neuraminidase-treated erythrocytes. Demonstration and analysis of cell contacts.

Freshly isolated rat liver cells adhere firmly to neuraminidase-treated rat or mouse erythrocytes but not to untreated erythrocytes. Binding between cells occurs only in the presence of calcium and is specially inhibited by D-galactose. We therefore suggest that cell adherence is mediated by a galactose-specific hepatic membrane receptor. Ultrastructural analysis of contact regions revealed point-like interactions between hepatic microvilli and erythrocytes and no broad areas of membrane contact. When liver cells are cultivated in vitro they lose their ability to bind erythrocytes within 24 h.