A disulfide-linked protein that stimulates growth in a wide variety of tissue in addition to the liver.
A cytokine, classed as a monokine, that is involved in immune and inflammatory responses. It is formed from platelets, fibroblasts, macrophages, endothelial cells, and smooth muscle cells. It stimulates growth of hepatocytes and increases migration and motility of various epithelial and endothelial cells.