Cytokine characteristics of jaundice in mouse liver

Objective: The aim of this study is to clarify the perioperative cytokine c hanges and their mechanism in jaundiced liver. Materials and methods: Obstructive jaundice was induced using a common bile duct ligation (CBDL) and a two-thirds hepatectomy (HEP) was performed in s ix- to seven-week-old male C3H/HeN mice. When hepatectomy was added to CBDL , it was carried out 2 to 5 days after CBDL. The serum interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels and heat shock protein (HSP)-70 expression were evaluated. One mg p er mouse of methylprednisolone (MPL) was intraperitonealy administered in s ome mice of CBDL+HEP group. Results: The post-hepatectomy IL-6 values at 2 and 3 days after CBDL were s ignificantly lower than those in the HEP group, while those at 5 days after CBDL were significantly higher than those in HEP group. The serum IL-6 val ue of the steroid group was significantly lower than that of non-steroid gr oup in HEP group. However, no steroid effects were recognized on post-hepat ectomy IL-6 values at 3 days after CBDL, steroid inhibited post-hepatectomy IL-6 production at 5 days after CBDL, No expression of HSP70 protein was o bserved in the control group, but HSP70 protein was expressed in both the h epatocytes and Kupffer cells 3 days after CBDL, then at 5 days after CBDL, no HSP70 protein was expressed in the Kupffer cells. Conclusions: In the early period of obstructive jaundice, the IL-6 level af ter hepatectomy did not increase in comparison to HEP group, and steroid ha d no effect on IL-6 level. According to the progression of obstructive jaun dice, the IL-6 level after hepatectomy increased to a higher level than bef ore, and the effect of MPL was restored. HSP70 is thus suggested to have an important role in cytokine production. (C) 2001 Academic Press.