Cytokine response to portal endotoxaemia and neutrophil stimulation in obstructive jaundice.

Introduction: An exaggerated proinflammatory response to endotoxaemia can occur in obstructive jaundice. The aims of this study were to determine the hepatic proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine response to endotoxaemia in experimental biliary obstruction and to determine the source of interleukin-6 (IL-6) using immunohistochemistry.

Methodology: Male Wistar rats were randomized into three groups: bile duct ligation (BDL), sham operation, and control groups.