Expression of osteopontin in Kupffer cells and hepatic macrophages and Stellate cells in rat liver after carbon tetrachloride intoxication: a possible factor for macrophage migration into hepatic necrotic areas

Activated Kupffer cells and macrophages accumulate in necrotic areas in the liver. Osteopontin, an extracellular matrix with RGD sequence, has been shown to act as a chemokine that can induce monocyte migration. The possibility that osteopontin can play a role in infiltration of both cells into hepatic necrotic areas was investigated in rats. Northern blot analysis revealed that osteopontin mRNA expression was minimal in Kupffer cells and hepatocytes immediately after isolation from normal rats, but slight in hepatic stellate cells assumed nearly quiescent in function after 3 days of culture on plastic dishes. When rat received carbon tetrachloride, liver necrosis developed between 1 and 3 days following the intoxication. In these rats, osteopontin mRNA expression assessed by quantitative competitive RT-PCR was increased in the liver later than 1 day with its peak at 2 days following the intoxication. Kupffer cells and hepatic macrophages and hepatic stellate cells isolated from such liver showed marked expression of osteopontin mRNA on Northern blotting. Immunohistochemical examination disclosed that osteopontin was stained in macrophages including Kupffer cells and stellate cells in the necrotic areas. On electron microscopy, osteopontin stains were present in the Golgi apparatus in these cells. Recombinant human osteopontin promoted migration of Kupffer cells isolated from normal rats and cultured in a Transwell cell culture chamber in a dose-related manner. We conclude that activated Kupffer cells and hepatic macrophages and stellate cells express osteopontin. These cells might contribute to the infiltration of Kupffer cells and macrophages into hepatic necrotic areas by expressing osteopontin.     

Evidence for a migratory capability of rat Kupffer cells to portal tracts and hepatic lymph nodes

The present study concerns the migratory ability of Kupffer cells in the rat. Phagocytic cells were labeled with colloidal carbon or gold, these markers being administered intravenously either into a tail vein, which resulted in generalized reticuloendothelial uptake, or in low dose into the portal vein, which produced uptake by Kupffer cells alone. Cells containing marker were observed in the portal tracts and in hepatic lymph nodes from 1 to 3 days after injection into the portal vein. The direct movement of single marker particles to the portal tracts could be excluded. Since injection of marker into the portal vein labeled Kupffer cells exclusively, whereas blood cells, splenic and bone marrow macrophages remained unlabeled, the labeled cells in the portal tracts and hepatic lymph nodes appeared to be former Kupffer cells migrating which had migrated to these sites.     

Macrophage colony-stimulating factor is indispensable for repopulation and differentiation of Kupffer cells but not for splenic red pulp macrophages in osteopetrotic (<Emphasis Type="Italic">op</Emphasis>/<Emphasis Type="Italic">op</Emphasis>) mice after macrophage depletion

We previously reported that macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF, CSF-1) played important roles in the process of the repopulation of Kupffer cells after their elimination by administration of liposome-entrapped dichloromethylene diphosphonate (lipo-MDP). In this study, we examined the repopulation of Kupffer cells and splenic red pulp macrophages in osteopetrotic (op/op) mice defective in the production of functional M-CSF and their littermate mice by using the lipo-MDP model. In untreated op/op mice, numbers of F4/80-positive Kupffer cells in the liver and F4/80-positive splenic red pulp macrophages were reduced. Repopulation of Kupffer cells and splenic macrophages was observed in littermate (op/+) mice liver by 14 days after depletion. However, in op/op mice, repopulation of Kupffer cells was not observed in Kupffer-cell-depleted op/op mice until 56 days after depletion, whereas splenic red pulp macrophages repopulated and recovered to the level of control op/op mice by 10 days after depletion. Single injection of M-CSF was effective for the induction of the repopulation of Kupffer cells, and daily administration of M-CSF induced remarkable repopulation and maturation of Kupffer cells and proliferation of macrophage precursor cells in the liver of Kupffer-cell-depleted op/op mice. These results suggest that Kupffer cells are completely M-CSF-dependent tissue macrophages, whereas splenic red pulp macrophages are composed of M-CSF-dependent macrophages and M-CSF-independent macrophages. This mouse model provides a useful tool for the study of effects of growth factor on Kupffer cell differentiation in vivo. This study was supported in part by Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research from the Ministry of Education, Science, and Culture of Japan, NIH grant CA20408, and a Tsukada Memorial Grant (2000).     

Electron microscopic cytochemical analysis of hepatic granuloma induced by Cryptococcus neoformans

The hepatic granulomas in experimental cryptococcosis were analyzed by peroxidase (PO) cytochemistry. Cryptococcus neoformans was inoculated intravenously into rats (group A), and some rats were administrated with dextran sulphate to suppress Kupffer cell functions before inoculation (group B). All rats were sacrificed 7 days after inoculation. The livers were examined PO cytochemically. In addition, the liver, spleen, lungs, kidneys and brain were also examined histopathologically. The hepatic granulomas consisted of the following four type cells; exudate macrophages (type I), PO-negative macrophages (type II), Kupffer cells (type III), and other inflammatory cells (type IV) such as neutrophils and lymphocytes. The percentages of the granulomacomposing cells in group A were 10.3% (type I), 27.3% (type II), 52.9% (type III) and 9.5% (type IV), respectively. In contrast in group B, type II cells outnumbered type III cells by a ratio of 53. In group B, necrosis and hemorrhage were observed in the granuloma. The lesions in the lungs changed from granulomatous to cystic ones after suppression of the Kupffer cell functions. These results suggest that resident macrophages such as Kupffer cells may play an important role in the formation of cryptococcal lesions.     

Uptake of chemically modified low density lipoproteins in vivo is mediated by specific endothelial cells

Acetoacetylated (AcAc) and acetylated (Ac) low density lipoproteins (LDL) are rapidly cleared from the plasma (t1/2 approximately equal to 1 min). Because macrophages, Kupffer cells, and to a lesser extent, endothelial cells metabolize these modified lipoproteins in vitro, it was of interest to determine whether endothelial cells or macrophages could be responsible for the in vivo uptake of these lipoproteins. As previously reported, the liver is the predominant site of the uptake of AcAc LDL; however, we have found that the spleen, bone marrow, adrenal, and ovary also participate in this rapid clearance. A histological examination of tissue sections, undertaken after the administration of AcAc LDL or Ac LDL (labeled with either 125I or a fluorescent probe) to rats, dogs, or guinea pigs, was used to identify the specific cells binding and internalizing these lipoproteins in vivo. With both techniques, the sinusoidal endothelial cells of the liver, spleen, bone marrow, and adrenal were labeled. Less labeling was noted in the ovarian endothelia. Uptake of AcAc LDL by endothelial cells of the liver, spleen, and bone marrow was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. These data suggest uptake through coated pits. Uptake of AcAc LDL was not observed in the endothelia of arteries (including the coronaries and aorta), veins, or capillaries of the heart, testes, kidney, brain, adipose tissue, and duodenum. Kupffer cells accounted for a maximum of 14% of the 125I-labeled AcAc LDL taken up by the liver. Isolated sinusoidal endothelial cells from the rat liver displayed saturable, high affinity binding of AcAc LDL (Kd = 2.5 X 10(-9) M at 4 degrees C), and were shown to degrade AcAc LDL 10 times more effectively than aortic endothelial cells. These data indicate that specific sinusoidal endothelial cells, not the macrophages of the reticuloendothelial system, are primarily responsible for the removal of these modified lipoproteins from the circulation in vivo.     

The effect of a conditioned medium from neonatal rat hepatocytes on a mixed culture of Kupffer cells and fibroblast-like liver cells]

The study was carried out on primary coculture Kupffer cells and liver fibroblasts of newborn and mature rats. At first Kupffer cells and liver fibroblasts were taken on the equal quantity. There were observed significant decrease of Kupffer cells quantity and fibroblasts death after 4-5 days in coculture. Mitotic and functional activity liver fibroblasts, adhesion of Kupffer cells were increased by the using of conditioned medium of newborn rat hepatocytes. The rise of mitotic activity of liver fibroblasts and quantity of nucleolus in their nuclei forestalls of the increase Kupffer cells size, appearing of Kupffer cells with some nuclei.     

Uptake and processing of immunoglobulin-coated liposomes by subpopulations of rat liver macrophages

In vivo uptake and processing by liver macrophages (Kupffer cells) of liposomes, covalently coated with rabbit immunoglobulin (Ig liposomes) was studied following intravenous injection in rats. Rabbit Ig liposomes were labeled with trace amounts of cholesteryl[14C]oleate and [3H]cholesteryl hexadecyl ether. 1 h after injection of the liposomes, the non-parenchymal cells were isolated and subjected to centrifugal elutriation with stepwise-increasing flow rates; thus, five sub-fractions of Kupffer cells were obtained ranging in size from 9 to 14 micron in diameter. The cells were assayed for peroxidase activity and protein content. Rabbit Ig liposomes were taken up preferentially by Kupffer cells with diameters larger than 11 micron, which constitute less than 25% of the total Kupffer cell population. The intralysosomal degradation of the ingested liposomes was monitored by measuring the 3H/14C ratio of the cells. Due to the rapid release from the cells of the [14C]oleate formed from the cholesteryl[14C]oleate and the virtually complete retention of the non-metabolizable [3H]cholesteryl hexadecyl ether the 3H/14C ratio of the cells increases with proceeding hydrolysis of the liposomes. Thus, we were able to show that, in vivo, the Kupffer cells of the larger size classes, are not only more active in liposome uptake, but are also substantially more active in liposome degradation than smaller cells. The maintenance of the observed heterogeneity of rat liver Kupffer cells, with respect to liposome uptake under in vitro culture conditions, was examined. Subfractions were maintained in monolayer culture for 2 days and incubated with rabbit Ig liposomes. Binding and uptake of liposomes by the cells was monitored by measuring cell-associated radioactivity at 4 degrees C and 37 degrees C, respectively. In contrast to our in vivo results, we observed maximal in vitro liposome binding and uptake in those subfractions containing small cells (10-11 micron diameter), while the fractions containing cells larger than 12 micron, which were more active in vivo, were substantially less active than the smaller cells. The maximum we observed was even more pronounced when the liposome concentration was increased. We conclude that liver macrophage subfractions that barely participate in liposome uptake from the bloodstream in vivo, possess the potential to develop the capacity in vitro to phagocytose rabbit Ig-coated liposomes to extents equal to or even higher than the cells belonging to those subfractions containing the phagocytically most active cells under in vivo conditions.     

Cellular organization of normal mouse liver: a histological,quantitative immunocytochemical,and fine structural analysis

The cellular organization of normal mouse liver was studied using light and electron microscopy and quantitative immunocytochemical techniques. The general histological organization of the mouse liver is similar to livers of other mammalian species, with a lobular organization based on the distributions of portal areas and central venules. The parenchymal hepatocytes were detected with immunocytochemical techniques to recognize albumin or biotin containing cells. The macrophage Kupffer cells were identified with F4-80 immunocytochemistry, Ito stellate cells were identified with GFAP immunocytochemistry, and endothelial cells were labeled with the CD-34 antibody. Kupffer cells were labeled with intravascularly administered fluorescently labeled latex microspheres of both large (0.5 μm) and small (0.03 μm) diameters, while endothelial cells were labeled only with small diameter microspheres. Neither hepatocytes nor Ito stellate cells were labeled by intravascularly administered latex microspheres. The principal fine structural features of hepatocytes and non-parenchymal cells of mouse liver are similar to those reported for rat. Counts of immunocytochemically labeled cells with stained nuclei indicated that hepatocytes constituted approximately 52% of all labeled cells, Kupffer cells about 18%, Ito cells about 8%, and endothelial cells about 22% of all labeled cells. Approximately, 35% of the hepatocytes contained two nuclei; none of the Kupffer or Ito cells were double nucleated. The presence of canaliculi and a bile duct system appear similar to that reported for other species. The cellular organization of the mouse liver is quite similar to that of other mammalian species, confirming that the mouse presents a useful animal model for studies of liver structure and function.     

Dietary glycine blunts lung inflammatory cell influx following acute endotoxin

Mortality associated with endotoxin shock is likely mediated by Kupffer cells, alveolar macrophages, and circulating neutrophils. Acute dietary glycine prevents mortality and blunts increases in serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) following endotoxin in rats. Furthermore, acute glycine blunts activation of Kupffer cells, alveolar macrophages, and neutrophils by activating a glycine-gated chloride channel. However, in neuronal tissue, glycine rapidly downregulates chloride channel function. Therefore, the long-term effects of a glycine-containing diet on survival following endotoxin shock were investigated. Dietary glycine for 4 wk improved survival after endotoxin but did not improve liver pathology, decrease serum alanine transaminase, or effect TNF-alpha levels compared with animals fed control diet. Interestingly, dietary glycine largely prevented inflammation and injury in the lung following endotoxin. Surprisingly, Kupffer cells from animals fed glycine for 4 wk were no longer inactivated by glycine in vitro; however, isolated alveolar macrophages and neutrophils from the same animals were sensitive to glycine. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that glycine downregulates chloride channels on Kupffer cells but not on alveolar macrophages or neutrophils. Importantly, glycine diet for 4 wk protected against lung inflammation due to endotoxin. Chronic glycine improves survival by unknown mechanisms, but reduction of lung inflammation is likely involved.     

Adiponectin normalizes LPS-stimulated TNF-alpha production by rat Kupffer cells after chronic ethanol feeding

Chronic ethanol feeding sensitizes Kupffer cells to activation by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), leading to increased production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). Adiponectin treatment protects mice from ethanol-induced liver injury. Because adiponectin has anti-inflammatory effects on macrophages, we hypothesized that adiponectin would normalize chronic ethanol-induced sensitization of Kupffer cells to LPS-mediated signals. Serum adiponectin concentrations were decreased by 45% in rats fed an ethanol-containing diet for 4 wk compared with pair-fed rats. Adiponectin dose dependently inhibited LPS-stimulated accumulation of TNF-alpha mRNA and peptide in Kupffer cells from both pair- and ethanol-fed rats. Kupffer cells from ethanol-fed rats were more sensitive to both globular (gAcrp) and full-length adiponectin (flAcrp) than Kupffer cells from pair-fed controls with suppression at 10 ng/ml adiponectin after chronic ethanol feeding. Kupffer cells expressed both adiponectin receptors 1 and 2; chronic ethanol feeding did not change the expression of adiponectin receptor mRNA or protein. gAcrp suppressed LPS-stimulated ERK1/2 and p38 phosphorylation as well as IkappaB degradation at 100-1,000 ng/ml in Kupffer cells from both pair- and ethanol-fed rats. However, only LPS-stimulated ERK1/2 phosphorylation was sensitive to 10 ng/ml gAcrp. gAcrp also normalized LPS-stimulated DNA binding activity of early growth response-1 with greater sensitivity in Kupffer cells from rats fed chronic ethanol. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that Kupffer cells from ethanol-fed rats are more sensitive to the anti-inflammatory effects of both gAcrp and flAcrp. Suppression of LPS-stimulated ERK1/2 signaling by low concentrations of gAcrp was associated with normalization of TNF-alpha production by Kupffer cells after chronic ethanol exposure.     

An experimental study on the pathway of iron transfer from macrophages to erythrocytes in rat liver

In order to reveal the pathway of iron release from macrophages, a 59Fe-labelled ferric hydroxide-potassium polyvinyl sulfate complex (Fe-PVS) was injected intravenously into anemic rats and the level of radioactivity in the liver, spleen, bone marrow, blood plasma and red blood cells (RBC) was estimated at various time intervals after the injection. Histochemical observation of ferric iron and ferritin in the liver was also made on anemic rats treated using unlabelled Fe-PVS. Fe-PVS injection promoted the recovery of anemia causing a rapid increase in the RBC number, with activated erythropoiesis occurring in the spleen and bone marrow. Soon after the injection, most of the radio iron was found in the liver with a small amount in the circulating erythrocytes, bone marrow and spleen. The iron level in the liver decreased gradually with a rapid increase in the iron level of the erythrocytes which reached a very high level 6 days after the 59Fe-PVS injection. Histochemical observations showed a heavy deposition of ferritin in the Kupffer cells 3 days after Fe-PVS injection. This deposition was minimized after 6 days with an increase in the level of ferritin in the parenchymal cells in the central area of acini. The level of radioferritin estimated biochemically in the nonparenchymal cell fractions of the liver revealed that the level dropped by about one third approximately 3.5 days after the Fe-PVS injection, showing the stimulated ferritin release at this stage. Results indicate that Kupffer cells in the liver play an important role in ferritin synthesis from the phagocytized iron compounds and that the iron is supplied for erythroid cell proliferation.     

Hepatic clearance of Sonazoid perfluorobutane microbubbles by Kupffer cells does not reduce the ability of liver to phagocytose or degrade albumin microspheres

This study has been performed to examine which cells are responsible for the hepatic clearance of the new ultrasound contrast agent Sonazoid and to study whether uptake of these gas microbubbles disturbs the function of the cells involved. Sonazoid was injected into rats and perfused fixed livers were studied by electron microscopy, which revealed that the Sonazoid microbubbles were exclusively internalised in Kupffer cells, i.e. by the macrophages located in the liver sinusoids, and not by parenchymal, stellate or endothelial cells. This is the first demonstration of intact phagocytosed gas microbubbles within Kupffer cells. Uptake of the Sonazoid perfluorobutane microbubbles by the Kupffer cells following injection of a dose corresponding to 20x the anticipated clinical dose for liver imaging did not result in measurable changes in the uptake and degradation of radioactively labelled albumin microspheres previously shown to be a useful indicator marker for Kupffer cell phagocytosis.     

Tri-iodothyronine differentially induces Kupffer cell ED1/ED2 subpopulations

Thyroid calorigenesis is carried out by activation of cytochrome-c oxidase, as well as by induction of mitochondrial and nuclear genes that code for cell respiratory apparatus components and uncoupling proteins. These effects operate increments in basal metabolic rate and also lead to increased production of oxygen and nitrogen reactive species in liver parenchymal cells. The hepatic antioxidant system is also compromised, since superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, glutathione content and lipid soluble antioxidants are reduced. Liver macrophages contribute to the hepatic oxidative stress observed in T(3)-treated rats, and both Kupffer cell hyperplasia and hypertrophy are reported. Kupffer cells constitute the main fixed macrophage population in the body and are a heterogeneous group of cells, derived from a less numerous population of local precursors, which are morphologically fairly distinguishable from the mature lineage elements. ED1 and ED2 antigens have been particularly useful in the characterization of Kupffer cell subpopulations. In particular, antibodies against these antigens provided evidence that T(3)- induced Kupffer cell hyperplasia causes a shift on liver macrophage population phenotype, leaning towards younger cell types. Despite the fact that sinusoidal environment itself stimulates the proliferation of macrophage precursors and their differentiation into Kupffer cells, increased Kupffer cell turnover rates modify the sinusoidal environment and may imply further functional effects. Thus, Kupffer cell hyperplasia secondary to increased T(3) levels is potentially a pro-inflammatory event, which involves both, the expansion of Kupffer cell precursor population by means of circulating monocyte recruitment, and the differentiation of preexisting local Kupffer cell precursors into mature liver macrophages.     

Modulation of paracetamol metabolism by Kupffer cells: a study on rat liver slices

Recent studies support the hypothesis that non parenchymal cells (mainly macrophages) may play a role in the metabolism and cellular effects of paracetamol. In order to investigate this hypothesis, male Wistar rats were intravenously injected with either 7.5 mg/kg gadolinium chloride (Gd+) or NaCl 0.9% (Gd-). The treatment with GdCl3 decreased the number and the function of Kupffer cells in liver tissue, as assessed by the histological examination of the liver after colloidal carbon injection in the portal vein. Precision-cut liver slices (PCLS) were prepared from both groups of rats and cultured for 8h in Waymouth's medium in the presence and absence of 5 mM paracetamol. Interestingly, PCLS obtained from Gd+ rats exhibited a lower release of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) and a better viability than PCLS from control (Gd-) rats. Incubation with paracetamol led to a decreased glycogen level in liver slices from Gd+ or Gd-, without modifying neither liver morphology nor ATP level nor LDH release. A higher proportion of paracetamol glucuronide, was secreted from the slices obtained from Gd+ rats. These data suggest that Kupffer cells could affect the viability of PCLS in culture and are involved in the regulation of phase II metabolism in the adjacent hepatocytes. We propose that PCLS in culture is a suitable model to elucidate the biochemical mechanism underlying the modulation of metabolism occurring through hepatocytes-Kupffer cells interactions.     

Role of the functional state of the liver RES in the pathogenesis of toxic liver injury

In rats to which E. coli endotoxin (250 micrograms/kg i.p.) was administered 24 h before they were given tetrachlormethane (CCl4) (1.5 ml/kg intragastrically), stimulation of liver DNA synthesis was observed during the first 48 h after administration of the hepatatoxin. In experimental rats to which prodigiosan (a Serratia marcescens polysaccharide, 250 micrograms/kg i.p.) was administered 24 h before CCl4 (1.5 ml/kg i.p.), liver damage 24 h after CCl4 poisoning was expressed less--judging from the size of liver necrosis and the size of glycogen-free zones in the liver lobules than in the controls. To elucidate the role of activated macrophages in the induction of liver resistance to CCl4, liver injury caused by this hepatotoxin was compared after the pre-administration of protein extract from the Kupffer cells or hepatocytes of prodigiosan-stimulated rats. In rats given the larger dose of Kupffer cell extract (6 mg/ml i.p.), the necrotic foci formed after the administration of CCl4 were significantly smaller. The results confirm the conception that liver macrophages participate in the development of resistance to CCl4.     

Ultrastructural localization of the circulating anodic antigen and the circulating cathodic antigen in the liver of mice infected with Schistosoma mansoni: a sequential study

The present study describes the ultrastructural localization of two important circulating schistosome antigens--the circulating anodic antigen (CAA) and the circulating cathodic antigen (CCA)--in livers of mice at various time intervals after infection with Schistosoma mansoni. For the demonstration of these antigens at the electron microscope level use was made of a direct, double immunogold labeling procedure, in which CAA-specific monoclonal antibodies, labeled with 5-nm gold particles, and CCA-specific monoclonal antibodies, labeled with 15-nm gold particles, were used. Both antigens were localized in granules and in inclusion bodies of Kupffer cells and granuloma macrophages and it was found that in these compartments the degree of 5- and 15-nm gold labeling increased with the duration of the infection. Sometimes gold particles were also encountered on the cell surface and in endocytotic vesicles of these cells, in endothelial cells, and in the space of Disse. From these data it was concluded that in the liver CAA and CCA were primarily accumulated in granules and inclusion bodies of Kupffer cells and granuloma macrophages. It is discussed whether at these locations both antigens are degraded by lysosomal enzymes and whether these antigens are complexed with antibodies.     

The effect of Walker-256 tumour development upon Kupffer cell metabolism

The liver plays a central role in the establishment and maintenance of the cachectic state in rats bearing extra-hepatic tumours. Kupffer cells, which as macrophages, show a strong relationship between metabolism and function could be involved in the alterations observed in the disruption of many functions of the organ as a whole. To assess whether the metabolic/functional pattern of Kupffer cells was altered by cachexia we have investigated the utilization of glucose, glutamine and palmitate by the cells from tumour-bearing and control rats. We have found an enhanced utilization of the three substrates by the cells from tumour-bearing rats as compared with controls, which was related to greater energy production through the Krebs cycle and enhanced production of precursors for the synthesis of the many substances the cells secrete when activated. The use of palmitate as substrate was also augmented in these cells, in the opposition to the observation in stimulated peritoneal macrophages. The availability of palmitate however, was not associated with a reduction of glucose or glutamine consumption. The cycle of interconversion, free fatty acids/triacyglycerol in Kupffer cells from tumour-bearing rats was also found to be increased, as was hydrogen peroxide production. Taken together the results suggest an increased utilization of substrates for both energy production and for synthetic processes (e.g. NADPH for hydrogen peroxide production). © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Demonstration of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase in rat Kupffer cells by a newly-developed ultrastructural enzyme-cytochemistry

Although various tissue macrophages possess high glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) activity, which is reported to be closely associated with their phagocytotic/bactericidal function, the fine subcellular localization of this enzyme in liver resident macrophages (Kupffer cells) has not been determined. We have investigated the subcellular localization of G6PD in Kupffer cells in rat liver, using a newly developed enzyme-cytochemical (copper-ferrocyanide) method. Electron-dense precipitates indicating G6PD activity were clearly visible in the cytoplasm and on the cytosolic side of the endoplasmic reticulum of Kupffer cells. Cytochemical controls ensured specific detection of the enzymatic activity. Rat Kupffer cells abundantly possessed enzyme-cytochemically detectable G6PD activity. Kupffer cell G6PD may play a role in liver defense by delivering NADPH to NADPH-dependent enzymes. G6PD enzyme-cytochemistry may be a useful tool for the study of Kupffer cell functions.     

Depletion and repopulation of macrophages in spleen and liver of rat after intravenous treatment with liposome-encapsulated dichloromethylene diphosphonate

Summary Rats received a single intravenous injection with liposome-encapsulated dichloromethylene diphosphonate (Cl2MDP). This treatment resulted in the elimination of macrophages in spleen and liver within 2 days. Macrophages ingest the liposomes and are destroyed by the drug, which is released from the liposomes after disruption of the phospholipid bilayers under the influence of lysosomal phospholipases. Repopulation of macrophages in spleen and liver was studied at different time intervals after treatment. Macrophages in the liver (Kupffer cells) and red pulp macrophages in the spleen were the first cells to reappear, followed by marginal metallophilic macrophages and marginal-zone macrophages in the spleen. Different markers of the same cell did not reappear simultaneously. On the other hand, the same marker (recognized by the monoclonal antibody ED2) reappeared much more rapidly in the liver than in the spleen. The present results in the rat were different from those earlier obtained in the mouse. Red pulp macrophages were the first cells and marginal zone macrophages were the last cells to repopulate the spleen in both rodents after treatment with Cl2MDP liposomes. However, there was much more overlap in the repopulation kinetics of splenic macrophage subpopulations in the rat, when compared with the mouse.     

Functional rearrangements in macrophages following intensive physical exercise

The effect of intensive physical exercise (swimming for 3 hours with a load of 4% body weight) on the function of hepatic, pulmonary and peritoneal macrophages has been studied in rats and mice. NBT values in alveolar and peritoneal macrophages of the experimental animals proved to be 1.5 and 1.6 times higher than in the controls. The activity of cathepsin D in the liver, lung and Kupffer cells was greater than the control values. The data obtained indicate that intensive physical exercise caused depression in phagocytic activity of Kupffer cells, the major compartment of the reticuloendothelial system, whereas a similar function in lung macrophages was even greater than in the controls and in peritoneal macrophages changed but insignificantly.