Cytokine expression in three mouse models of experimental hepatitis

The activation of T-cells and macrophages and subsequent induction of cytokines are critical factors in the development of hepatitis. Up-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, e.g. TNF has been shown to induce liver injury while counter regulation by anti-inflammatory cytokines, e.g. IL-10 is protective. We compared the induction of liver injury and the expression pattern of a variety of cytokines in T-cell- versus non-T-cell-dependent mouse models of liver injury. TNF, IFNgamma, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10 and IL-12 were measured in plasma and liver tissue after either Concanavalin A (Con A), D-galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide (GalN/LPS) or high dose LPS induced liver injury. Additionally, the intra-hepatic expression of the putative pathogenicity factor high mobility group 1 protein (HMG-1) was compared in all three models.