[Changes in mast cells and hepatic expression of c-kit and stem cell factor in the rat model of chronic hepatitis].

Objective: To study the potential role of mast cells and the related molecular mechanism in chronic hepatitis (CH) using a rat model system.

Methods: Thirty Wistar rats (15 males, 15 females; weight range: 230-290 g) were randomly divided into the normal contrast (NC) group and experimental CH group. The CH group received subcutaneous injection of CCl4 and a diet high in cholesterol and alcohol content and low in protein and choline content.

Effects of glycine on phagocytosis and secretion by Kupffer cells in vitro.

Aim: To investigate the effects and mechanisms of action of glycine on phagocytosis and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α secretion by Kupffer cells in vitro.

Methods: Kupffer cells were isolated from normal rats by collagenase digestion and Percoll density gradient differential centrifugation. After culture for 24 h, Kupffer cells were incubated in fresh Dulbecco's Modification of Eagle's Medium containing glycine (G1: 1 mmol/L, G2: 10 mmol/L, G3: 100 mmol/L and G4: 300 mmol/L) for 3 h, then used to measure phagocytosis by a bead test, TNF-α secretion after lipopolysaccharide stimulation by radioactive immunoassay, and microfilament and microtubule expression by staining with phalloidin-fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) or a monoclonal anti-α tubulin-FITC antibody, respectively, and evaluated under a ultraviolet fluorescence microscope.

Dynamic changes and mechanism of intestinal endotoxemia in partially hepatectomized rats.

Aim: To explore the mechanism of intestinal endo-toxemia (IETM) formation and its changes in partially hepatectomized (PH) rats.

Methods: One-hundred and two adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: normal control (NC) group, partially hepatectomized (PH) group and a sham-operated (SO) group. To study the dynamic changes, rats were sacrificed before and at different time points after partial hepatectomy or the sham-operation ( 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 36 h, 48 h, 72 h, 120 h and 168 h).

Experimental study on the role of endotoxin in the development of hepatopulmonary syndrome.

Aim: To evaluate the role of intestinal endotoxemia in the genesis of hepatopulmonary syndrome.

Methods: A rat model of cirrhosis was prepared with the method of compound factors. At the end of the eighth week, rats with cirrhosis were treated with 300 microg LPS/100 g body weight, and 1 g/rat of glycine about four h prior to LPS.

Effect of endotoxin on fibronectin synthesis of rat primary cultured hepatocytes.

AIM:To investigate the effect of endotoxin on liver fibrosis and further define the role of hepatocytes in production of fibronectin in primary liver cell culture by endotoxin.METHODS:After isolation and seeding of hepatocytes, the obtained cells were added to various doses (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20mg/L) of LPS treated culture media. The cells were collected and counted at various periods (0, 12, 24, 48, 72, 96, 120h).

Endotoxins enhance hepatocarcinogenesis induced by oral intake of thioacetamide in rats.

AIM:To clarify whether endotoxin is of pathogenic importance for hepatocarcinogenesis,or the increased cancer risk results solely from the cirrhotic process.METHODS:The rat model of hepatoma was treated by the intake of 0.03% thioacetamide in drinking water for six months.