TNF-alpha dependent production of inducible nitric oxide is involved in PGE(1) protection against acute liver injury.

Background: Tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and nitric oxide modulate damage in several experimental models of liver injury. We have previously shown that protection against D-galactosamine (D-GalN) induced liver injury by prostaglandin E(1) (PGE(1)) was accompanied by an increase in TNF-alpha and nitrite/nitrate in serum.

Aims: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of TNF-alpha and nitric oxide during protection by PGE(1) of liver damage induced by D-GalN.