Role of macrophages in acetaminophen (paracetamol)-induced hepatotoxicity.

Research into the pathogenesis of acetaminophen (paracetamol)-induced hepatotoxicity has concentrated on the generation of toxic metabolites by the hepatocytes. It has, however, recently been shown that human macrophages cultured with acetaminophen secrete increased quantities of tumour necrosis factor (TNF). This study examines whether macrophages have a direct role in acetaminophen toxicity, using a mouse model in which it is possible to eliminate more that 99 per cent of hepatic macrophages by previously injecting liposomes containing dichloromethylene disphosphonate (DMDP).