Cytokine release during hypoxia reoxygenation by Kupffer cells in rats with obstructive jaundice

The release of cytokine by Kupffer cells during hypoxia/reoxygenation was studied in vitro in male Wistar rats with obstructive jaundice to investigate the kinetics of interleukin-8 (IL-8) release by Kupffer cells during hypoxia/reoxygenation, and to study the influence of endotoxin during the reoxygenation period. The rats were divided into two groups: one that underwent bile duct ligation (group OJ), and one that underwent a sham operation (group C). Kupffer cells were isolated by collagenase digestion and centrifugal elutriation. The cells were first subjected to hypoxia as 95% nitrogen, after which they were given reoxygenation as 95% oxygen. In addition, they were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) 0, 1, and 10 ng/ml. In both groups, the levels of IL-8 became increased during the period of hypoxia/reoxygenation, and reoxygenation after hypoxia further intensified IL-8 production. During the period of hypoxia, the IL-8 levels in group OJ were significantly increased compared with those in group C. With the LPS challenge, there was no significant difference in IL-8 levels in either group. In conclusion, obstructive jaundice induces the activation of Kupffer cells, resulting in increased IL-8 production during hypoxia/reoxygenation.