The hepatocyte is a complex and multifunctional differentiated cell whose cell response will be influenced by the zone in hepatic lobule, because concentrations of oxygen and toxic substances present in the hepatic sinusoids change from periportal zone to centrilobular zone10. The hepatocytes of the intermediate zone have the appropriate morphological and functional features since they have the environment with average concentrations of oxygen and other substances. 
This specialized cell is capable of:
* Regulate glucose metabolism
# Via cAMP/PKA/TORC (transducers of regulated CREB)/CRE, PIP3 /PKB and PLC /IP3 
# Expression of enzymes for synthesis, storage and distribution of glucose
* Synthesis of acute phase proteins
# Via JAK /STAT /APRE (acute phase response element)
# Expression of C-reactive protein, globulin protease inhibitors, complement, coagulation and fibrinolytic systems and iron homeostasis
* Regulate iron homeostasis (acute phase independent) 
# Via Smads /HAMP
# Hepcidin expression 
* Regulate lipid metabolism 
# Via LXR /LXRE (LXR response element)
# Expression of ApoE CETP, FAS and LPL 
* Exocrine production of bile salts and other compounds 
# Via LXR /LXRE 
# Expression of CYP7A1 and ABC transporters 
* Degradate of toxic substances
# Via LXR /LXRE 
# Expression of ABC transporters 
* Endocrine production 
# Via JAK/STAT /GHRE (growth hormone response element) 
:IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 expression 
# Via THR/THRE (thyroid hormone response element)
:Angiotensinogen expression 
* Regenerate itself by hepatocyte mitosis 
# Via STAT and Gab1: RAS/MAPK, PLC/IP3 and PI3K/FAK 
# Cell growth, proliferation, survival, invasion and motility
The hepatocyte also regulates other functions for constitutive synthesis of proteins (albumin, ALT and AST) that influences the synthesis or activation of other molecules (synthesis of urea and essential amino acids), activate vitamin D, utilization of vitamin K, transporter expression of vitamin A and conversion of thyroxine.