Objective: To observe the role of Kupffer cells in the postburn production of TNFalpha, IL-1beta and IL-6 in severely scalded rats.
Methods: (1) The production of TNFalpha, IL-1beta and IL-6 from rat Kupffer cells stimulated by burn serum was observed. (2) The postburn change in the expression of cytokine mRNA from rat Kupffer cells was monitored. (3) The change in the plasma cytokine contents in scalded rats was determined after the application of gadolinium chloride, a specific inhibitor of Kupffer cells.
Results: Kupffer cells could be stimulated by burn serum to release cytokines TNFalpha, IL-1beta and IL-6. The mRNA expression of TNFalpha, IL-1beta and IL-6 from rat Kupffer cells increased significantly after injury. But the postburn plasma levels of TNFalpha, IL-1beta and IL-6 decreased obviously to 34.71%, 36.99% and 33.7% of those in scalding group, respectively, after the Kupffer cell activity was inhibited.
Conclusion: The plasma cytokines, i.e. TNFalpha, IL-1beta and IL-6, were primarily produced from Kupffer cells after injury in scalded rats, initiated by TNFalpha, IL-1beta and IL-6 mRNA transcription.