The present study explored the changes in hepatic secretion of tumour necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) during the regenerative process of the liver, focusing on the role of Kupffer cells. The secretions of TNF and IL-6 from the perfused rat liver were increased after 67% partial hepatectomy, reaching a maximum at 48 h. The response of cytokine secretion induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS: 1 microgram/ml) was also potentiated in regenerating liver. The secretion of TNF, but not that of IL-6, induced by LPS was almost totally suppressed by pretreatment of rats with gadolinium chloride, which depletes Kupffer cells. These results indicate that hepatic secretions of TNF and IL-6 are increased during the regenerative process of the liver. Kupffer cells play an important role in hepatic secretion of TNF, whereas the production of IL-6 can be achieved by other cells of the liver.
Copyright 2001 Academic Press.