Related Experiment Videos
[Reactive changes in liver stroma following zymosan administration]
Abstract:
Male (CBA x C57BI)F1 mice weighing 18-22 g received zymosan intravenously in a dose of 2 mg. After 2 days numerous mononuclear foci could be seen in the liver. Most cells from the infiltrates were strongly acid phosphatase-positive. The slice surface under the infiltrates gradually increased and 5 days after zymosan injection occupied 25% of the total slice surface. The number of the infiltrates increased almost 5-fold from the 2d to the 5th day of experiment. Liver infiltration was accompanied by pronounced monocytosis. Activation of any type of liver sinusoidal cells was revealed by electron microscopy. The evidence obtained shows that activated Kupffer macrophages may give rise to the formation of liver mononuclear infiltrates.
Insights
Zymosan injection induces liver mononuclear infiltrates in mice, primarily composed of acid phosphatase-positive cells. Activated Kupffer macrophages are identified as the likely source of these infiltrates.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Hepatology
- Cell Biology
Context:
- Zymosan, a fungal preparation, is known to activate the immune system.
- Liver sinusoidal cells, including Kupffer cells, play critical roles in hepatic immunity.
- Understanding the cellular origins of liver inflammation is crucial for disease pathogenesis.
Purpose:
- To investigate the cellular composition and origin of liver mononuclear infiltrates induced by zymosan.
- To characterize the temporal development and extent of zymosan-induced liver inflammation.
- To determine the role of Kupffer macrophages in the formation of these infiltrates.
Summary:
- Male (CBA x C57BI)F1 mice were injected intravenously with zymosan (2 mg).
- Within 2 days, numerous acid phosphatase-positive mononuclear foci appeared in the liver, increasing significantly by day 5.
- Electron microscopy revealed activation of liver sinusoidal cells, suggesting activated Kupffer macrophages are the source of these infiltrates.
Impact:
- This study elucidates the cellular mechanisms underlying zymosan-induced liver inflammation.
- It highlights the significant contribution of Kupffer macrophages to hepatic inflammatory responses.
- Findings provide insights into the pathogenesis of liver diseases involving macrophage activation.