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J J Spitzer

Publications and source records attributed to J J Spitzer.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Effect of high-dose endotoxin on glucose production and utilization.

The purpose of the present study was to determine how a high dose of endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide [LPS]), which produces hypoglycemia, alters in vivo glucose uptake by individual tissues. Catheterized conscious fasted rats were injected intravenously (i.v.) with either saline, LPS (1 mg/100 g body weight [BW], lethal dose [LD] 100), or 3-mercaptopicolinic acid (3-MP), an inhibitor of gluconeogenesis. In the latter two groups, blood glucose levels were clamped at either 6 mmol/L (euglycemia) or 3 mmol/L (hypoglycemia). In the first series of experiments, whole-body glucose flux was determined using [3-3H]glucose, and in the second study in vivo glucose uptake (Rg) by individual tissues was estimated by the tracer [U-14C]-2-deoxyglucose technique. The relative contribution of hypoglycemia per se to the LPS effect was determined by comparing the values from LPS- versus 3-MP-treated animals. There was no difference in the rate of whole-body glucose utilization (Rd) between saline-infused control rats and LPS-treated animals that were hypoglycemic. However, Rg by diaphragm, spleen, liver, and lung was increased in hypoglycemic LPS-treated rats. The increased Rg in these tissues was not observed in 3-MP-treated rats with a comparable hypoglycemia. Only the gastrocnemius muscle showed a reduction in Rg under hypoglycemic conditions, and the decrease was similar in both LPS- and 3-MP-treated animals. When sufficient glucose was infused into LPS-injected rats to maintain euglycemia, whole-body glucose Rd was increased compared with that in hypoglycemic LPS-treated rats.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Ethanol alters the metabolic response of isolated perfused rat liver to a phagocytic stimulus.

Intercellular communication in the liver is a potentially important mechanism for the regulation of hepatic metabolism. Since alcohol (ethanol, ETOH) can interact with both parenchymal and nonparenchymal cells, the present study was performed to assess the possible effects of ETOH on the nonparenchymal cell-to-hepatocyte signal traffic by studying the glycogenolytic and glycolytic response of the perfused rat liver to colloidal carbon, a phagocytic stimulus for Kupffer and sinusoidal endothelial cells. Livers from fed rats were perfused with hemoglobin-free Krebs Ringer bicarbonate buffer containing ETOH (20 mM) or acetaldehyde (1 mM). Twenty minutes after initiating the infusion of ETOH or acetaldehyde, colloidal carbon was infused and the rate of carbon uptake, glucose, lactate and pyruvate output, and oxygen consumption were determined. In control livers, carbon stimulated the output of glucose (60%), lactate (25%), and pyruvate (53%), without affecting the lactate/pyruvate ratio. ETOH, but not acetaldehyde, enhanced the carbon effect on glucose output (38%), but suppressed the increased lactate and pyruvate output (48% and 91% respectively) resulting in a dramatic 10-fold increase in the lactate/pyruvate ratio. By using inhibitors of cyclooxygenase or alcohol dehydrogenase (indomethacin and 4-methylpyrazole, respectively) in the presence of carbon and/or ETOH, we determined that: (1) following carbon stimulation prostaglandins are the likely mediators secreted by nonparenchymal cells that increase carbohydrate output; and (2) the ETOH-induced enhancement of carbon-stimulated glycogenolysis is also mediated by prostaglandins and is not dependent on the oxidative metabolism of ETOH.

Acetaldehyde↗

Alcohol consumption in rats potentiates the deleterious effect of gram-negative sepsis on hepatic hyaluronan uptake.

The role of hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells (SECs) in the pathologic changes of the liver associated with alcohol consumption is not fully understood. The measurement of hyaluronan (HA) uptake by the SECs provides a useful means for assessing the functional state of these cells. In this study, we determined the effect of acute and chronic exposure to alcohol in rats in the absence and presence of subcutaneous Escherichia coli-induced sepsis on plasma HA concentration and HA uptake by the isolated, perfused liver. Rats were administered ethanol (two doses of 0.2 g/100 g body weight, intraperitoneally, 24 and 15 hr before killing) or fed a liquid diet for 8-10 weeks, containing alcohol (36% of the total calories) or dextrin (in isocaloric amounts). Twenty-one hr before euthanizing for liver perfusion, animals were injected subcutaneously with live E. coli (sepsis) or sterile saline (control). Neither acute nor chronic alcohol exposure by themselves altered plasma HA levels. However, both treatments exacerbated the hyperhyaluronanemic effect of sepsis. Thus, in acutely alcohol-treated rats, sepsis induced a 187% (p < 0.05) increase in plasma levels of HA, whereas in nonalcohol septic rats, the increase was only 54% (p < 0.05). Likewise, sepsis resulted in a greater increase in the plasma levels of HA (871%) in alcohol-fed rats than it did in liquid diet, control-fed rats (323%, p < 0.05). The rate of HA uptake by the isolated, perfused liver was not altered by either acute or chronic alcohol exposure. However, alcohol exposure markedly potentiated the inhibitory effect of sepsis on the capacity of the liver to take up HA.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Alcoholic Intoxication↗

Complement activates Kupffer cells and neutrophils during reperfusion after hepatic ischemia.

The hypothesis that complement factors may be involved in the postischemic activation of Kupffer cells (KC) and polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) was investigated in a model of hepatic ischemia (45 min) and reperfusion in male Fischer rats in vivo. Depletion of serum complement before ischemia resulted in a significant attenuation of the KC-induced oxidant stress (enhanced oxidation of plasma glutathione) and also prevented the accumulation of PMNs in the liver during the initial reperfusion period of 1 h. Complement activation through injection of cobra venom factor (CVF; 75 micrograms CVF/kg) also induced enhanced oxidation of plasma glutathione and accumulation of PMNs in the liver. Isolation of KC and PMNs from the liver 1 h after CVF treatment demonstrated a similar priming effect for stimulation with phorbol myristate acetate and opsonized zymosan as was observed in the postischemic liver. Complement-depleted animals and animals pretreated with the soluble human complement receptor type 1 (BRL 55730; 22.5 mg/kg) accumulated significantly less PMNs in the postischemic livers during longer reperfusion periods (24 h) and sustained significantly less injury. It is concluded that complement is involved in the induction of a KC-induced oxidant stress, the priming of KC and PMNs for enhanced reactive oxygen generation, and the continuous accumulation of PMNs in the liver during reperfusion.

Alanine Transaminase↗

Monoclonal antibody against the CD18 adhesion molecule stimulates glucose uptake by the liver and hepatic nonparenchymal cells.

Neutrophils and macrophages play an important role in the body's microbicidal defense and have been implicated in the induction of tissue injury in reperfusion, endotoxemia and septic shock. Cellular host defense is accompanied by enhanced glucose use. In this study we examined the effect of monoclonal antibody 1F12 on in vivo glucose use by selected tissues and hepatic phagocytes. Monoclonal antibody 1F12 is specific for the CD18 adhesion molecule on rat neutrophils and is the only known antibody that induces profound neutropenia. The administration of monoclonal antibody 1F12 at a final dose of 2 mg/kg body weight enhanced the removal of neutrophils from the circulation within 15 min. Leukopenia was sustained for 24 hr. Large numbers of neutrophils were sequestered in the liver at 4 hr. Although the number of neutrophils in the liver at 24 hr after antibody treatment was lower than at 4 hr, these values were still higher than those in the saline controls. The rate of glucose metabolism by selected tissues was not significantly altered by the antibody, except by the liver, in which use increased 2.7-fold vs. the control value at 4 hr after treatment. Hepatocytes, endothelial cells and Kupffer cells contributed to the increase in the rate of glucose metabolism by the liver. The rate of glucose metabolism by Kupffer cells was significantly elevated at 4 and 24 hr, whereas the rate of glucose metabolism of hepatocytes and endothelial cells returned to normal at 24 hr. After antibody treatment, the glucose uptake by hepatic sequestered neutrophils was significantly reduced at 4 hr and returned to near-normal levels at 24 hr.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Effect of subcutaneous Escherichia coli-induced hypermetabolic sepsis on hepatic gluconeogenesis and its hormonal responsiveness in the rat.

In hypermetabolic sepsis, gluconeogenesis is markedly elevated during fasting, and is manifested as an increased rate of glucose appearance (Ra). The likely causes of such a change are alterations in 1) concentration of systemic hormones, 2) concentration of glucose precursors, especially lactate, 3) activity of the key enzymes of the pathway, and 4) hormone receptors and/or transmembrane signalling mechanisms, involved in the hormonal regulation of the pathway. In this study, we investigated the importance of the latter two factors in the increase of gluconeogenesis during hypermetabolic sepsis. Rats were rendered septic by repeated subcutaneous administration of live Escherichia coli. The livers were perfused in vitro in a nonrecirculating mode to measure the rate of gluconeogenesis from saturating concentrations of lactate (5 mM) or lactate (5 mM) + pyruvate (0.5 mM), and the response of gluconeogenesis to vasopressin (VP, 0.1 and 1.0 nM), glucagon (Glc, 0.1 and 1.0 nM), and prostaglandin (PG) F2 alpha (5 microM). The rate of gluconeogenesis without precursor supply was approximately 20-30 mumoles/100 g b w/hr during the first 4-6 min of perfusion, followed by a continuous decline to very low levels. Infusion of lactate (5 mM) or lactate (5 mM) + pyruvate (0.5 mM) increased glucose output, and maintained it at approximately 100-110 and approximately 130-140 mumoles/100 g b w/hr, respectively. VP, Glc, and PGF2 alpha stimulated the rate of gluconeogenesis in a dose-dependent manner (VP and Glc). No differences were observed between control and septic rats using these stimuli.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Gram-negative bacterial lipopolysaccharide impairs hyaluronan clearance in vivo and its uptake by the isolated, perfused rat liver.

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effect of gram-negative bacterial lipopolysaccharide on hyaluronan concentration in blood plasma, hyaluronan removal from the blood and hyaluronan uptake by isolated, perfused rat liver. Intravenous administration of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide to rats markedly increased plasma hyaluronan concentration in a dose-dependent manner. One day after lipopolysaccharide challenge (0.1 or 1.0 mg per 100 gm body wt), plasma hyaluronan levels were 570.7 +/- 66.8 ng x ml-1 and 1,951.0 +/- 120.3 ng x ml-1, respectively, as compared with 94.2 +/- 12.2 ng x ml-1 in the time-matched control animals. Removal of intravenously injected hyaluronan (30 micrograms per 100 gm body wt) was suppressed 32% by lipopolysaccharide administration (100 micrograms per 100 gm body wt). At the same dose, lipopolysaccharide induced a severe inhibition (60% to 80%) of hyaluronan uptake by perfused livers isolated 3 or 24 hr after lipopolysaccharide administration. The inhibitory effect of lipopolysaccharide on hyaluronan uptake by the isolated, perfused liver was not abolished by pretreatment with either antibodies to tumor necrosis factor-alpha IgG or indomethacin, an inhibitor of the cyclooxygenase pathway. Continuous intravenous infusion of recombinant murine tumor necrosis factor-alpha for 18 to 20 hr did not affect plasma hyaluronan concentration. These data suggest that neither tumor necrosis factor-alpha, an early cytokine induced by lipopolysaccharide, nor prostaglandins are involved in the mechanism of lipopolysaccharide-induced inhibition of hyaluronan uptake by the perfused rat liver.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Functional inactivation of neutrophils with a Mac-1 (CD11b/CD18) monoclonal antibody protects against ischemia-reperfusion injury in rat liver.

The role of neutrophil CD11b/CD18 (Mac-1) adhesion proteins in the pathogenesis of hepatic reperfusion injury was investigated in an experimental model. Male Fischer rats were treated with a CD11b monoclonal antibody or an isotype-matched IgM control antibody and subjected to 45 min of hepatic ischemic followed by 24 hr of reperfusion. Large numbers of neutrophils were present in postischemic liver lobes (1,241 +/- 64 polymorphonuclear cells/50 high-power fields) compared with numbers in baseline measurements (14 +/- 3 polymorphonuclear cells/50 high-power fields), and severe liver injury was observed after 24 hr of reperfusion (hepatic necrosis: 88% +/- 2%). Pretreatment with the CD11b antibody (two doses of 2 mg/kg each significantly attenuated liver injury and reduced the number of polymorphonuclear cells in the post-ischemic liver by 59%. Selective treatment with the antibody only during reperfusion was similarly effective. The increased spontaneous superoxide formation of neutrophils isolated from postischemic liver (1.05 +/- 0.11 nmol O2-/hr/10(6) cells) was reduced by 56% in neutrophils from CD11b antibody-treated animals. Flow cytometric analysis of CD11b/CD18 expression on circulating neutrophils demonstrated significant upregulation at all time points during reperfusion. Clone 17 also effectively inhibited neutrophil extravasation in a glycogen peritonitis model. Our data are consistent with a dual protective effect of the CD11b antibody in hepatic reperfusion injury in vivo (i.e., reduced accumulation of neutrophils and their functional inactivation).

Animals↗

Hyaluronic acid uptake by the isolated, perfused rat liver: an index of hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cell function.

Previous studies indicate that sinusoidal endothelial cells bind and internalize hyaluronic acid at much greater rates than do other liver cells. Thus hepatic hyaluronic acid removal rate may be indicative of sinusoidal endothelial cell function. In these studies the uptake of hyaluronic acid (molecular weight 1.3 x 10(6)) was measured in isolated perfused rat liver under a variety of conditions. Uptake was dependent on hyaluronic acid concentration. At all concentrations tested, the rate of hyaluronic acid uptake stabilized at a steady-state level 2 to 3 min after development of a high rate of apparent uptake. At saturating hyaluronic acid concentration (150 ng.ml-1), the steady-state uptake rate was 10.4 +/- 1.0 micrograms.gm-1 liver wet wt.hr-1, which is as high as or higher than the rates reported for isolated rat liver sinusoidal endothelial cells. The half-maximal rate of uptake was attained at a hyaluronic acid concentration of 80 ng.ml-1. Hyaluronic acid uptake was inhibited by heparin (80%), a competitive ligand for the hyaluronic acid receptor on sinusoidal endothelial cells; 4 beta-phorbol 12 beta-O-myristoyl 13 alpha-acetate (25% to 50%), a tumor promoter and activator of protein kinase C; prostaglandin F2 alpha (24% to 52%), an eicosanoid secreted in the liver by Kupffer cells; A23187 (33% to 66%), a Ca2+ ionophore; and Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (16% to 43%). Platelet activating factor did not affect hyaluronic acid uptake by the perfused liver. Hyaluronic acid uptake was increased by 50% after a 24-hr fast.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Regulation of glucose metabolism after endotoxin and during infection is largely independent of endogenous tumor necrosis factor.

Increased hepatic glucose production and glucose utilization involving multiple tissues occur in response to administration of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and are metabolic hallmarks of hypermetabolic sepsis. As a proximal mediator in the host response to infection-like challenges, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) may enhance glucose metabolism by directly interacting with cells or by initiating a cascade of events leading to changes in glucose production and utilization. To determine if endogenous TNF is an important mediator in LPS- or sepsis-induced changes in glucose metabolism, rats were pretreated with a neutralizing goat anti-TNF IgG antibody prior to intravenous LPS or subcutaneous live Escherichia coli administration. Whereas high levels of plasma TNF were observed in rats not pretreated with anti-TNF, TNF was not detected 90 min after LPS in rats receiving the antibody. Pretreatment with anti-TNF attenuated the increase in plasma lactate and glucagon levels in LPS-challenged rats but failed to ameliorate the LPS-induced hyperglycemia and increase in glucose rate of appearance (Ra). The LPS-stimulated increase of in vivo glucose metabolic rate (Rg) of examined tissues, measured with [14C]-2-deoxyglucose, was not altered by anti-TNF. Likewise, rats treated with anti-TNF prior to induction of hypermetabolic infection exhibited usual increases in whole-body glucose Ra and metabolic clearance rate. Although neutralizing TNF failed to prevent the sepsis-induced augmentation of Rg in any tissue examined, it reduced the increase in the lung (P < 0.05) and tended to decrease it in other barrier tissues as well as in the spleen.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Adrenergic blockade attenuates endotoxin-induced hepatic glucose uptake.

The purpose of the present study was to elucidate the role of catecholamines in mediating the endotoxin-induced increase in glucose uptake of individual tissues. In vivo glucose utilization by selected tissues, assessed by the 2-deoxyglucose (2dGlc) tracer technique, was determined 3 hr following the i.v. injection of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 100 micrograms/100 g bw) or saline. Catecholamine action was inhibited by the combined administration of alpha and beta receptor antagonists, phentolamine and propranolol. Adrenergic antagonists alone did not change plasma glucose levels or the glucose metabolic rate (Rg) of the investigated tissues; however, adrenergic blockage resulted in mild hypoglycemia in endotoxemic animals. LPS administration increased in vivo Rg by the liver (571%), lung (229%), spleen (210%), intestine (76%), skin (82%), fat (181%), gastrocnemius muscle (70%), and kidney (61%). There was a significant elevation in the glucose metabolic clearance rate (MCR) by these tissues as well. LPS did not increase Rg by brain and testis. Adrenergic blockade completely prevented the LPS-induced Rg increase in the liver and partially inhibited the elevation in other tissues. The LPS-induced increase in the MCR in spleen, lung, intestine, skin, fat, muscle, and kidney was not altered by adrenergic blockade, indicating that the attenuated Rg in these tissues was the consequence of the decreased plasma glucose concentration observed under this condition. However, in the liver, adrenergic antagonists markedly inhibited the LPS-induced increase in both Rg and MCR. Thus our data indicate that the glucose metabolic response to LPS is partially mediated by catecholamines through the accompanying changes in plasma glucose concentration.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Effects of acute alcohol intoxication on gluconeogenesis and its hormonal responsiveness in isolated, perfused rat liver.

Rats were acutely administered ethanol as a primed constant infusion in order to produce sustained blood ethanol levels of 8-12 or 55-65 mM. At the end of ethanol infusion the livers were either freeze-clamped in vivo or isolated and perfused for metabolic studies. The rate of gluconeogenesis and its responsiveness to phenylephrine (10 microM), prostaglandin F2 alpha (5 microM) and glucagon (10 nM), as well as the redox state of the cytosolic NAD(+)-NADH system were assessed in livers isolated from acutely ethanol-treated rats, and subsequently perfused without ethanol. For liver clamped in vivo, high- but not low-ethanol treatment decreased the ATP content by 31% and slightly increased ADP and AMP content, resulting in a decreased energy charge (11%). Glutamate and aspartate content was also increased in high-dose ethanol-infused rats with no changes in malate and 2-oxoglutarate content. Gluconeogenesis with saturating concentrations of lactate (4 mM)+pyruvate (0.4 mM) was delayed in reaching a plateau in the livers of high-dose ethanol-treated rats and its response to all three stimulators was impaired. Low-dose ethanol treatment only decreased the liver response to phenylephrine. While the perfused livers of low-dose ethanol-treated rats displayed no changes in adenine nucleotide content, the livers of high-dose ethanol-treated rats had a decreased ATP (35%) and an increased AMP (77%) content, paralleled by a fall in the total adenine nucleotides (14%) and energy charge (14%). No differences were observed between the saline- and ethanol-treated rats with respect to malate-aspartate shuttle intermediate concentration in perfused livers. Also, the livers of high-, but not low-dose ethanol-treated rats had a more negative value of NAD(+)-NADH redox state as compared to the livers of control rats. The data suggest that acute ethanol intoxication produces changes in liver metabolism and its responsiveness to hormones/agonists that are demonstrable for at least 2 hr after isolation and perfusion of the liver.

Adenine Nucleotides↗

Kupffer cells play a major role in insulin-mediated hepatic glucose uptake in vivo.

The effect of insulin on the in vivo glucose utilization by different hepatic cells was investigated using the euglycemic, hyperinsulinemic clamp, combined with the 2-deoxyglucose tracer technique. Rats were infused with insulin at a rate of 2.8 or 9.0 mU/min/kg for 220 min, resulting in plasma concentrations of the hormone of about 80 microU/ml and 340 microU/ml, respectively. Glucose use by the whole liver was elevated by more than 200% following insulin. However, glucose uptake by the parenchymal cells was only elevated by 50-60%. By contrast nonparenchymal cells were more responsive to insulin. Glucose uptake by endothelial cells was increased 100% and Kupffer cells displayed the most marked response to insulin showing a 3- to 6-fold increase in glucose uptake. These data indicate that the sinusoidal nonparenchymal cells are the major sites of the insulin-mediated increased glucose utilization by the liver.

Analysis of Variance↗

Differential regulation of glucose transporter gene expression in adipose tissue or septic rats.

To understand the molecular mechanisms responsible for the sepsis-induced enhanced glucose uptake, we have examined the levels of GLUT4 and GLUT1 mRNA and protein in the adipose tissue of septic animals. Rats were challenged with a nonlethal septic insult where euglycemia was maintained and hexose uptake in adipose tissue was markedly elevated. Northern blot analysis of total RNA isolated from epididymal fat pads indicated differential regulation of the mRNA content for the two transporters: GLUT1 mRNA was increased 2.6 to 4.6-fold, while GLUT4 mRNA was decreased by 2.5 to 2.9-fold. Despite the difference in mRNA levels, both GLUT1 and GLUT4 protein were down regulated in plasma membranes (40% and 25%, respectively) and microsomal membranes (42% and 25%, respectively) of the septic animals. The increased glucose uptake cannot be explained by the membrane content of GLUT1 and GLUT4 protein. Thus, during hypermetabolic sepsis, increased glucose utilization by adipose tissue is dependent on alternative processes.

Adipose Tissue↗

Acute ethanol intoxication stimulates superoxide anion production by in situ perfused rat liver.

This study examines the generation of superoxide anion by the perfused rat liver after ethanol intoxication and acute endotoxemia to assess the potential importance of oxygen-derived free radicals in the ethanol-induced hepatic pathological condition. Hepatic superoxide anion production of 0.65 +/- 0.06 nmol/min/gm liver weight was measured 1 hr after ethanol infusion; it reached a peak value of 0.8 +/- 0.07 at 3 hr and was reduced to 0.11 +/- 0.01 by 7 hr. In a group of animals, 4-methylpyrazole was injected 5 min before the administration of ethanol to determine whether the metabolism of ethanol moiety is necessary for the observed effects. However, no significant inhibition of superoxide production was observed after 4-methylpyrazole administration. Introduction of ibuprofen into the perfused liver abolished superoxide anion production, suggesting that arachidonic acid metabolites may play an important role in superoxide generation under these conditions. Endotoxin, a potent activator of macrophages, has also been associated with increased superoxide release by the liver. Therefore the combined impact of ethanol and endotoxin on superoxide production by the liver was also examined. Acute ethanol intoxication inhibited the endotoxin-mediated superoxide anion generation by the perfused liver. These data indicate that the ethanol-mediated superoxide production and the ethanol-induced inhibition of the lipopolysaccharide-enhanced free-radical generation by the liver may have a pathophysiological significance in tissue injury and in resistance to infection.

Animals↗

In vivo latex phagocytosis primes the Kupffer cells and hepatic neutrophils to generate superoxide anion.

Activation of liver macrophages during clearance of endotoxins, bacteria, or other particulate materials may be accompanied by the migration of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) into the liver and priming of the hepatic phagocytes to release toxic oxygen metabolites. In the present study we investigated the effect of in vivo administration of latex particles on the hepatic sequestration of PMNs and the release of superoxide anion (O2-) by the in situ perfused rat liver and isolated hepatic phagocytes. One hour after an intravenous injection of latex beads, a significant amount of O2- (0.7 nmol/min/g) was produced by the in situ perfused liver. Administration of latex particles into the perfused liver also elicited O2- production. Hepatic phagocytes from latex-treated rats generated large amounts of O2- (2-14 nmol/60 min/10(6) cells) when these cells were stimulated in vitro with opsonized zymosan or phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), whereas phagocytes from saline-treated rats released less than 0.8 nmol O2-. Intravenous infusion of superoxide dismutase or ibuprofen did not prevent the immigration of PMNs to the liver. However, ibuprofen inhibited the production of O2- by the perfused liver. Also, after addition of ibuprofen in vitro to isolated cells, there was more than 50% inhibition of O2- generation by Kupffer cells and hepatic PMNs treated with either zymosan or PMA. These observations suggest that arachidonic acid metabolites play a role in O2- release under these conditions. Thus, activation of the reticuloendothelial system by latex phagocytosis induces the migration of PMNs into the liver and enhances the production of toxic oxygen-derived radicals by these cells and the resident Kupffer cells. The toxic oxygen radicals may also contribute to hepatic injury.

Animals↗

In vivo metabolic response of hepatic nonparenchymal cells and leukocytes to granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor.

This study investigates the in vivo glucose utilization of various immune-competent cells after an intra-arterial injection of a nonlethal dose (30 micrograms/kg body weight) of murine recombinant granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). Injection of GM-CSF resulted in a rapid but transient reduction in the number of circulating neutrophils. After 20 min the number of neutrophils returned to normal values, and by 4 h it was about 80% greater than in time-matched saline-injected controls. One hour after the treatment, neutrophils were accumulated in the livers of GM-CSF-injected animals but not in control livers. In vivo glucose utilization by circulating neutrophils and mononuclear cells and various liver cell types was investigated by combining the 2-deoxyglucose tracer technique with cell isolation procedures. GM-CSF increased the in vivo glucose utilization of circulating and infiltrating neutrophils by more than 200%. Glucose utilization by circulating mononuclear cells was also doubled. After GM-CSF injection, glucose utilization by Kupffer cells was increased by 130% and by hepatic endothelial cells was increased by 60%. Indomethacin pretreatment blunted the hyperglycemia caused by GM-CSF injection; however, it did not inhibit the increased glucose utilization by immune-competent cells. This suggests that the effect of GM-CSF on glucose utilization by these cells is not mediated by prostanoids and is at least partially independent of the mass action of elevated glucose concentration. These findings indicate that GM-CSF may be an important member of the cytokine cascade that mediates the acute in vivo metabolic response of immune-competent cells in sepsis or endotoxemia.

Animals↗

Superoxide generation by neutrophils and Kupffer cells during in vivo reperfusion after hepatic ischemia in rats.

Kupffer cells and polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) contribute to the severe reperfusion injury of the liver after ischemia at different time points. The objective of this study was to identify the cellular source(s) of reactive oxygen formation during the PMN-induced injury phase. Kupffer cells and PMNs were isolated from the liver after 45 min of ischemia and 5 h or 24 h of reperfusion using collagenase-pronase digestion and a centrifugal elutriation method. Spontaneous superoxide anion (O2-) formation by large Kupffer cells (basal value 0.65 +/- 0.16 nmol/h/10(6) cells) was increased (up to 550%) during the entire reperfusion period. No enhanced O2- generation by the small Kupffer cell fraction was observed at any time. Control PMNs generated only small amounts of O2- spontaneously (0.25 +/- 0.05 nmol O2-/h/10(6) cells), but hepatic PMNs generated significantly more superoxide: 1.90 +/- 0.58 nmol O2-/h/10(6) cells at 5 h and similarly at 24 h of reperfusion. All cell types were significantly primed for enhanced O2- formation during reperfusion; the priming effect was consistently higher for stimulation with opsonized zymosan (receptor-mediated signal transduction pathway) compared to phorbol myristate acetate (protein kinase C activation). Our data support the hypothesis that PMNs and large Kupffer cells are predominantly responsible for the postischemic oxidant stress during the later reperfusion injury phase after hepatic ischemia in vivo.

Animals↗