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Macrophage phagocytic dysfunction and reduced metabolic response in experimental obstructive jaundice
J W Ding1, L Nässberger, R Andersson
1Department of Surgery, Lund University Hospital, Sweden.
The European Journal of Surgery = Acta Chirurgica
|August 1, 1994
Summary
Jaundiced rats exhibit reduced macrophage metabolic response and phagocytosis of Escherichia coli. This impaired reticuloendothelial function in biliary obstruction may explain increased infection risk in patients.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cellular Metabolism
- Surgical Research
Background:
- Obstructive jaundice is associated with a higher incidence of infections.
- The role of macrophage function in this increased susceptibility is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the metabolic activity and phagocytic capacity of peritoneal macrophages from jaundiced and normal rats.
- To investigate the impact of biliary obstruction on macrophage function in vitro.
Main Methods:
- Male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent bile duct ligation or sham surgery.
- Peritoneal macrophages were harvested two weeks post-operation.
- Metabolic response was measured using microcalorimetry, and phagocytic activity was assessed via light microscopy after incubation with Escherichia coli.
Main Results:
- Macrophages from jaundiced rats showed significantly reduced maximal metabolic response and metabolic rate upon E. coli inoculation compared to controls.
- Phagocytosis of E. coli by macrophages was also significantly lower in jaundiced rats.
- These findings indicate depressed reticuloendothelial function in rats with biliary obstruction.
Conclusions:
- Biliary obstruction leads to impaired macrophage metabolic response and phagocytosis.
- This suggests a compromised reticuloendothelial system in obstructive jaundice.
- The findings provide a potential mechanism for the increased infectious complications observed in patients with obstructive jaundice.