Hepatic stellate cells, also known as perisinusoidal cells or Ito cells, are pericytes from the perisinusoidal space of the liver. Hepatic stellate cells (HSteC) are intralobular connective tissue cells presenting myofibroblast-like or lipocyte phenotypes. They participate in the homeostasis of liver extracellular matrix, repair, regeneration, fibrosis and control retinol metabolism, storage and release. Following liver injury, HSteC transform into myofibroblast-like cells and are the major source of collagen in the fibrotic liver. HSteC possess voltage-activated calcium current, express the low affinity nerve growth factor receptor p75, and undergo apoptosis in response to nerve growth factor stimulation. Therefore, the new insight into the molecular regulation of HSteC activation will lead to therapeutic approaches for hepatic fibrosis. Rat Hepatic Stellate Cells provide an invaluable tool for understanding physiological and pathophysiological relevance in liver function and disease.