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Updated: May 31, 2026
09:49
Kupffer Cell Isolation for Nanoparticle Toxicity Testing
Published on: August 18, 2015
TNF receptors in Kupffer cells
Maria Georgiadou1, George Notas, Costas Xidakis
1Liver Research Laboratory, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece.
Journal of Receptor and Signal Transduction Research
|June 23, 2011
Summary
Somatostatin, via Octreotide, increases tumor necrosis factor receptors and apoptosis in Kupffer cells. This modulation of immune cells may contribute to somatostatin's anti-cancer effects.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Somatostatin modulates immune functions and exhibits antineoplastic properties.
- Octreotide, a somatostatin analog, inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion by Kupffer cells (KC).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of somatostatin on tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) receptor expression and apoptosis in Kupffer cells.
Main Methods:
- Rat Kupffer cells were isolated and treated with Octreotide.
- Tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) 1 and 2 expression was analyzed using RT-PCR, quantitative PCR, Western Blot, and immunofluorescence.
- Apoptosis was measured via DNA fragmentation assays.
- TNFα mRNA expression and secretion were quantified.
Main Results:
- Both TNFR1 and TNFR2 mRNA were constitutively expressed in KC and increased by Octreotide, with TNFR1 showing greater influence.
- Octreotide increased TNFR2 protein expression and significantly inhibited TNFα mRNA expression.
- Octreotide induced KC apoptosis, an effect not influenced by co-incubation with TNFα.
Conclusions:
- Somatostatin significantly upregulates TNFR1 and TNFR2 expression and enhances Kupffer cell apoptosis.
- These findings provide a potential mechanism for the antineoplastic effects of somatostatin.
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