Alpha-1 acid glycoprotein reduces hepatic leukocyte recruitment in murine models of either early endotoxemia or early sepsis.

Objective: To characterize the effect of systemically administered AGP on early leukocyte recruitment in the livers of endotoxemic or septic mice and to determine whether this is influenced by LPS sequestration.

Methods: Endotoxemia was induced in C57Bl/6 mice via intraperitoneal injection of LPS. Sepsis was induced in mice by cecal ligation and perforation. AGP (165 mg/kg) or saline (20 mL/kg) or HAS (200 mg/kg) was administered immediately after surgery or LPS injection and the hepatic microcirculation was examined by intravital microscopy at four hour.

Results: Leukocyte adhesion in the PSV was reduced by treatment with AGP in mice subjected to either LPS or CLP protocols compared to either saline or HAS treatment. AGP-treated mice also had significantly higher sinusoidal flow in both models. Pre-incubation of LPS with AGP reduced the ability of LPS to recruit leukocytes to the liver microcirculation.

Conclusions: AGP was more effective in limiting hepatic inflammation and maintaining perfusion than saline or HAS, in both endotoxemic and septic mice. AGP sequestration of LPS may contribute to its anti-inflammatory effects.