Pancreatitis-associated ascitic fluid induces hepatocyte death independent of local cytokines.

Introduction: Kupffer-cell-derived cytokines mediate liver injury, yet macrophage pacification does not abolish hepatocyte injury. We undertook this study to examine the role of pancreatitis-associated ascitic fluid (PAAF) in liver injury.

Methods: Pathogen-free PAAF was perfused into healthy rat livers in situ for 60 min (n = 5, sham = 5, LPS = 5).