Hepatic artery sympathetic nerve fiber

Hepatic artery sympathetic nerve fibers are postganglionic components of the autonomic (sympathetic) nervous system originating from the celiac and superior mesenteric ganglia, running alongside the hepatic artery into the liver. They release neurotransmitters (like noradrenaline) that regulate vascular tone, blood flow, and hepatic stellate cell activation, influencing liver metabolism, regeneration, and fibrosis. In chronic liver diseases such as hepatitis and cirrhosis, the density of these fibers is reduced, contributing to altered homeostasis and potentially poor recovery after liver injury or transplantation. These fibers are not classified as a canonical “therapeutic target” (such as a receptor, enzyme, or transporter), but modulation of their signaling or function affects liver disease outcomes and is an area of experimental investigation. Key clarifications: - This is not a single molecule, gene, or receptor, but rather a population of nerve fibers important for liver physiology. - It should not be listed as a conventional molecular target for drug discovery. - Drugs targeting these fibers would act indirectly (e.g., via adrenergic receptor antagonists/agonists) but there are no drugs that specifically and selectively target these fibers as a therapeutic class.

Other names

Hepatic sympathetic nerve fiberLiver sympathetic nerve fiberSympathetic fibers of hepatic artery