Differential effects of GdCl3- or MDP treatment on rat liver microcirculation and gene expression in the hepatic non-parenchymal cell fraction in LPS shock.

Background: Dichloromethylenebisphosphonate (MDP) and gadolinium chloride (GdCl(3)) are substances frequently used for experimental depletion of Kupffer Cells (KC) in models of endotoxin shock. The aim was to determine whether depletion of KC through pretreatment with GdCl(3) or MDP alters the hepatic microcirculation during lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced shock in rats and to test if there are substance-specific differences.

Methods: Rats received either MDP or GdCl(3) or saline prior to induction of LPS shock.