The increased release of prostaglandin E2 by Kupffer cells from burned guinea pigs

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is a very important immunosuppressive substance that is synthesized and released by all macrophages including Kupffer cells (KCs). In this study the changes of PGE2 released by KCs were evaluated in a burned guinea pig model. Prostaglandin E2 was released by KCs from burned guinea pigs at a consistently and significantly high level when stimulated with endotoxin. On postburn day 8, KCs that were cocultured with hepatocytes released significantly less PGE2. There was also a significant decrease in antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity on postburn day 1. Kupffer cells can mediate immune suppression in burn injury by a prolonged increased production of PGE2 that has immunosuppressive effects on other cells and by a decreased cytotoxic effect soon after burn injury.