[Neutrophils' contribution to ischaemia and reperfusion injury in liver]

Neutrophils are cells which induce liver injury due to ischaemia and reperfusion. They are active especially in the later phase of reperfusion (> 6 hrs) since they gather in the liver and release mediators damaging hepatocytes directly. Inflow ofneutrophils into the liver is possible due to chemotaxia which involves, among others, chemokines CXC (interleukin-8 and its counterparts). Neutrophils' ability to induce chemotaxia is determined by their specific glycoprotein receptors in cell membranes. Neutrophils contribute to ischaemia/reperfusion liver injury because they adhere to vessel endothelium, cross the wall of hepatic microcirculation vessels and adhere to hepatocytes. Selectins play a crucial role in neutrophils' contact with endothelial cells, and ICAM-1, predominantly in their adhesion to hepatocytes. Also beta2-integrin and Mac-1 play essential role. Neutrophils damage hepatocytes by realising proteases, free radicals, TNF-alpha, TGF-beta and leucotrien. Neutrophils together with endothelial cells also disturb the hepatic microcirculation.