OBJECTIVE To investigate the change and effect of SSeCKS (src suppressed c kinase substrates) in the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). METHODS HSCs were isolated from normal rats, the change of SSeCKS mRNA expression on HSCs culture in vitro was determined using real-time PCR, protein level was determined by Western blot and immunofluorescence methods. A rat model of liver fibrosis was established. The expression and location of SSeCKS and alpha-SMA (alpha-smooth muscle actin) in liver tissues were detected by immunofluorescence methods. RESULTS SSeCKS mRNA expression was low in freshly isolated HSCs cell and the expression increased in activated HSCs in vitro. In liver fibrosis tissue, the number of SSeCKS-positive cells was increased and these cells were distributed along the sinusoids which also contained alpha-SMA positive cells. CONCLUSIONS The expression of SSeCKS was increased in activated HSCs in vitro. Therefore, SSeCKS may be involved in the liver inflammation and fibrosis.