Functional Immune Anatomy of the Liver-As an Allograft.

The liver is an immunoregulatory organ in which a tolerogenic microenvironment mitigates the relative "strength" of local immune responses. Paradoxically, necro-inflammatory diseases create the need for most liver transplants. Treatment of hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, and acute T cell-mediated rejection have redirected focus on long-term allograft structural integrity. Understanding of insults should enable decades of morbidity-free survival after liver replacement because of these tolerogenic properties. Studies of long-term survivors show low-grade chronic inflammatory, fibrotic, and microvascular lesions, likely related to some combination of environment insults (i.e. abnormal physiology), donor-specific antibodies, and T cell-mediated immunity. The resultant conundrum is familiar in transplantation: adequate immunosuppression produces chronic toxicities, while lightened immunosuppression leads to sensitization, immunological injury, and structural deterioration. The "balance" is more favorable for liver than other solid organ allografts. This occurs because of unique hepatic immune physiology and provides unintended benefits for allografts by modulating various afferent and efferent limbs of allogenic immune responses. This review is intended to provide a better understanding of liver immune microanatomy and physiology and thereby (a) the potential structural consequences of low-level, including allo-antibody-mediated injury; and (b) how liver allografts modulate immune reactions. Special attention is given to the microvasculature and hepatic mononuclear phagocytic system.

Endothelin receptor antagonist TAK-044 arrests and reverses the development of carbon tetrachloride induced cirrhosis in rats.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Hepatic concentrations of the powerful vasoconstrictor and fibrogen endothelin 1 (ET-1) and its receptors increase in human and experimental cirrhosis, suggesting a major role for ET-1 in the pathology of chronic liver disease. We investigated whether ET-1 receptor antagonism, after the development of fibrosis and cirrhosis, arrests/reverses the progression of chronic liver disease. METHODS: Chronic liver injury was induced in rats by carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) treatment (0.15 ml/kg intraperitoneally twice a week) in conjunction with phenobarbital in drinking water (0.4 g/l) for four (group 1: fibrosis) and eight (group 2: cirrhosis) weeks. Rat were then treated concurrently with the ET-1 receptor antagonist TAK-044 (10 mg/kg/day) and CCl(4)/phenobarbital for a further four weeks. RESULTS: Histopathological examination revealed significant arrest of progression to cirrhosis in group 1 and reversal of cirrhosis in group 2 rats. TAK-044 treatment caused significant amelioration of portal hypertension, systemic hypotension, and liver injury (reduced activities of serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase), and improved hepatic synthetic capacity (increased serum albumin concentration) in both groups of rats relative to vehicle treated rats. TAK-044 treatment reduced collagen synthesis, as evidenced by decreased hepatic hydroxyproline content, mRNA expression of collagen-alpha type I, and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases 1 and 2, and mRNA and protein expression of a potent fibrogenic cytokine, transforming growth factor beta1. CONCLUSIONS: The results emphasise the role of ET-1 in the development of cirrhosis and strongly suggest that blockade of its actions can be a rational therapy for chronic liver disease and its complications.

Increased hepatic platelet activating factor (PAF) and PAF receptors in carbon tetrachloride induced liver cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The liver is a major site for the synthesis and actions of platelet activating factor (PAF), a potent hepatic vasoconstrictor and systemic vasodilator. As PAF is implicated in portal hypertension and hyperdynamic circulation associated with liver cirrhosis, we characterised changes in the hepatic PAF system in experimental cirrhosis. METHODS: In rats made cirrhotic by carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) administration for eight weeks, we determined hepatic levels of PAF and its cognate receptor, and the effects of PAF and PAF antagonist (BN52021) on portal and arterial pressure. RESULTS: Compared with control rats, cirrhotic rats had higher hepatic PAF levels, higher apparent hepatic efflux of PAF, and higher PAF levels in arterial blood (p<0.01, p<0.01, p<0.05, respectively). Relative to controls, cirrhotic livers had elevated hepatic PAF receptors (by mRNA and protein levels and [(3)H]PAF binding), higher (p<0.01) baseline hepatic portal pressure, and an augmented (p = 0.03) portal pressure response to PAF infusion (1 microg/kg). Portal infusion of BN52021 (5 mg/kg) showed that elevated endogenous PAF was responsible for 23% of the cirrhotic portal pressure increase but made no contribution to systemic hypotension. Finally, increased PAF receptor density was observed in the contractile perisinusoidal stellate cells isolated from cirrhotic livers relative to those from control livers. CONCLUSIONS: In cirrhosis, increased hepatic release of PAF elevates systemic PAF; in combination with upregulated hepatic PAF receptors in stellate cells, this contributes to portal hypertension.

Down-regulation and recovery of endothelin-1 binding and signaling in rat cardiomyocytes.

Down-regulation and recovery of endothelin (ET) receptors and of ET-dependent phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC) signaling was examined in cultured cardiomyocytes from neonatal rats. Three hours treatment with 5 nM ET-1 decreased surface receptors to 30%, and transduction to 19%, of their respective time-zero values. After extensive washing and a 3 h recovery period surface receptors returned to 74% of the time-zero value, with concomitant recovery of signal transduction to 75% of the time-zero value. The recovery of PI-PLC signaling in these cells is in contrast with a previous report, but consistent with recovery of the receptor complement.

Inhibition of DNA synthesis in cultured hepatocytes by endotoxin-conditioned medium of activated stellate cells is transforming growth factor-beta and nitric oxide-independent.

Activated hepatic stellate cells play a major role in the pathophysiology of chronic liver disease. They can influence the metabolism of hepatocytes by producing a variety of cytokines and growth factors. Upon stimulation with endotoxin, stellate cells also synthesize nitric oxide (NO), a potent mediator of growth of several cell types including hepatocytes. We investigated the effect of serum-free medium conditioned by activated stellate cells in the absence and presence of endotoxin on NO and DNA synthesis in hepatocytes. Stellate cells and hepatocytes were isolated by enzymatic digestion of the liver. Stellate cells were cultured for 10 days after which the majority exhibited alpha-smooth muscle actin (a marker for activated cells); hepatocytes were used after overnight culture. While the medium conditioned by stellate cells in the absence of endotoxin stimulated DNA synthesis in hepatocytes, medium conditioned in its presence inhibited this process in an endotoxin concentration-dependent manner (10 - 1000 ng ml(-1)). Endotoxin-conditioned stellate cell medium also stimulated NO synthesis in hepatocytes; the effect was consistent with increased protein and mRNA expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS). However, inhibition of DNA synthesis in hepatocytes caused by endotoxin-conditioned stellate cell medium was unaffected by the NOS inhibitor, L-N(G)-monomethylarginine (L-NMMA), guanylyl cyclase inhibitor 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ), and neutralizing antibodies for TGF-beta, IL-1beta, IL-6 and TNF-alpha. These results indicate that factors other than these cytokines produced by activated stellate cells upon stimulation with endotoxin or by hepatocytes challenged with endotoxin-conditioned stellate cell medium inhibit DNA synthesis in hepatocytes.

A23187 causes release of inositol phosphates from cultured rat Kupffer cells.

The Ca2+ ionophore A23187 is routinely used to illustrate the extracellular Ca2+-dependence of a variety of cellular reactions. We found that A23187-induced hydrolysis of phosphoinositides to various inositol phosphates in rat Kupffer cells was accompanied by their release from the cells. The synthesis and release of inositol phosphates was A23187 concentration-dependent (0.5-10 microM), and was apparent at the lowest concentration tested. A23187-induced release of inositol phosphates increased time-dependently, was apparent at 5 s of stimulation and maximal at 20 min. The effects of A23187 were reversed by EGTA. The integrity of the cells was not affected by A23187 treatment as indicated by their exclusion of trypan blue and the lack of release of lactate dehydrogenase. We propose that such effects should be considered while evaluating the Ca2+-dependence of biological processes based on the actions of A23187.

Endotoxin treatment causes an upregulation of the endothelin system in the liver: amelioration of increased portal resistance by endothelin receptor antagonism.

BACKGROUND: Mechanisms underlying hepatic microcirculatory failure during endotoxemia are incompletely understood. Because endothelin-1 (ET-1) has been implicated in endotoxin-induced liver injury, we investigated the hepatic ET-1 system in endotoxin-treated rats. METHODS: Rats were treated with endotoxin (Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide; 3 mg/kg, i.p.), and various determinations were made 24 h later. RESULTS: Endotoxin treatment caused 11.2 +/- 1.6% weight loss, a decrease in mean arterial pressure (MAP; 96 +/- 5 mmHg vs 108 +/- 3 mmHg; P < 0.05) and an increase in portal pressure (11.6 +/- 1.3 mmHg vs 7.4 +/- 1 mmHg; P < 0.02). No significant changes in the serum levels of liver enzymes or hepatocellular necrosis were observed. Endotoxin caused increases in hepatic ET-1 (from 345 +/- 31 to 565 +/- 38 pg/g; P < 0.01), ET-1 receptor density (from 179 +/- 16 to 340 +/- 26 fmol/mg; P < 0.02), and mRNA expression of preproendothelin-1, and ET(A) and ET(B) receptors. While the serum nitric oxide (nitrite +/- nitrate) concentration was increased in endotoxin-treated rats, that of ET-1 remained unchanged. A mixed ET(A)/ET(B) receptor antagonist, TAK-044 (10 mg/kg, i.v.), reduced the weight loss from 11.2 +/- 1.6% to 5.9 +/- 2.9% (P < 0.05) and the portal pressure from 11.6 +/- 1.3 mmHg to 8.6 +/- 0.7 mmHg (P < 0.05) in endotoxin-treated rats. The mixed ET(A)/ET(B) receptor antagonist also caused an increase in serum ET-1 concentration, but did not affect serum nitric oxide and MAP in endotoxin-treated rats. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the upregulated hepatic ET-1 system is an important mechanism of increased portal resistance and related complications of endotoxemia.

Enhanced synthesis and reduced metabolism of endothelin-1 (ET-1) by hepatocytes--an important mechanism of increased endogenous levels of ET-1 in liver cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Hepatic concentration of endothelin-1 (ET-1) is increased in human and experimental liver cirrhosis. Because of its potent actions in the liver, ET-1 has been suggested to play an important role in the pathophysiology of cirrhosis. Since hepatocytes are the major cell type to metabolize ET-1, we investigated whether their reduced capacity to degrade ET-1 is a mechanism of its elevated levels in cirrhosis. METHODS: The expression of ET-1 receptors, ET-1 and endothelin converting enzyme (ECE), and metabolism of ET-1 and ECE activity were compared in hepatocytes isolated from control and carbon tetrachloride-induced cirrhotic rats. RESULTS: ET-1 receptor density and receptor-mediated internalization of ET-1 were significantly increased in cirrhotic hepatocytes relative to the control cells. However, compared to control hepatocytes, metabolism of ET-1 by the cirrhotic cells was reduced significantly. Interestingly, hepatocytes were found to contain preproET-1 mRNA, ECE-1 mRNA and ET-1. PreproET-1 mRNA and ET-1 levels were increased in cirrhotic hepatocytes but their ECE mRNA and ECE activity were not altered. CONCLUSIONS: These results provide the first evidence that hepatocytes have the ability to synthesize ET-1 and demonstrate that decreased metabolism and enhanced synthesis, of ET-1 in hepatocytes are an important mechanism of its elevated levels in cirrhosis.

Endothelin stimulates transforming growth factor-beta1 and collagen synthesis in stellate cells from control but not cirrhotic rat liver.

Interactions between hepatic stellate cells and endothelin-1 are implicated in liver fibrosis. We determined endothelin-1, its receptors and its effects on the synthesis of a fibrogenic agent transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 and collagen in stellate cells from control and CCl(4)-induced cirrhotic rats. The basal synthesis of endothelin-1, TGF-beta1 and collagen was much higher in cirrhotic stellate cells than in control cells. Endothelin-1 stimulated TGF-beta1 and collagen synthesis via endothelin ET(A) and endothelin ET(B) receptors, respectively, in control stellate cells, but did not elicit these effects in the cirrhotic cells despite increased density of the respective receptor subtypes in them. These results indicate that the actions of endothelin-1 on stellate cells may be an important physiological mechanism in maintenance of hepatic architecture. However, inability of endothelin-1 to stimulate TGF-beta1 and collagen synthesis in cirrhotic stellate cells suggests that it does not influence fibrogenic activity by direct action on them probably because the processes are already maximally activated.

Endotoxin causes up-regulation of endothelin receptors in cultured hepatic stellate cells via nitric oxide-dependent and -independent mechanisms.

Hepatic stellate cells (HSC) and their transformed phenotype found in the chronically injured liver play important roles in hepatic physiology and pathology. HSC produce and react to a potent contractile peptide endothelin-1 (ET-1) and also synthesize a vasorelaxant nitric oxide (NO) upon stimulation with endotoxin. However, whether endotoxin affects ET-1 system of HSC and if this is a mechanism of endotoxin-induced hepatic injury is not known. We characterized synthesis of ET-1 and NO and ET-1 receptors in cultured quiescent and transformed HSC subjected to endotoxin treatment. Endotoxin (1 - 1000 ng ml(-1)) stimulated synthesis of ET-1 and NO and up-regulated ET-1 receptors in both cell types. Inhibition of NO synthesis by N(G)-monomethyl-L-homoarginine strongly inhibited endotoxin-induced increase in ET-1 receptors in transformed HSC but produced small additional increase in quiescent HSC. Inhibition of soluble guanylyl cyclase by 1H-[1,2, 4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one blocked the effect of endotoxin on ET-1 receptors in both cell types. Moreover, ET-1 receptors were increased in both cell types during earlier time points (1 - 4 h) of endotoxin treatment in the absence of the stimulation of NO synthesis. These results demonstrate that endotoxin up-regulates ET-1 receptors in HSC by NO-dependent and -independent mechanisms. Such effects of endotoxin can be of importance in acute endotoxemia and during chronic injury of the liver.

The effect of intensive plasma water exchange by hemofiltration on hemodynamics and soluble mediators in canine endotoxemia.

High volume hemofiltration (HVHF) (200 ml/kg/h) improves hemodynamics in experimental septic shock but is difficult to apply clinically. Accordingly, we studied whether less intensive HVHF (80 ml/kg/h) can still improve hemodynamics in experimental septic shock. We also investigated its effect on the serum concentrations of several inflammatory mediators, including endothelin (ET-1), endotoxin (LPS), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and 6-keto prostaglandin F(1alpha) (6-kepto PGF(1alpha)). Sixteen anesthetized dogs were connected to a continuous veno-venous hemofiltration (CVVH) (filtration: 80 ml/kg/h) or sham circuit and endotoxin (0.5 mg/kg) was infused intravenously over 5 min. Hemodynamic variables were measured at baseline and at 15, 45, 90, and 180 min. The major hemodynamic finding was that endotoxin-induced hypotension was significantly attenuated by intensive CVVH (p < 0.04). Changes in cardiac output and right ventricular ejection fraction were equal in both groups. ET-1 levels, but not LPS, TNF-alpha, or 6-keto PGF(1alpha), were lower during CVVH (p = 0.042). Endotoxin or TNF-alpha were not found in the ultrafiltrate. Median clearances of ET-1 and 6-keto PGF(1alpha) during intensive CVVH were 8.8 and 25.9 ml/m, respectively. We conclude that intensive CVVH attenuates the early component of endotoxin-induced hypotension and reduces serum concentrations of endothelin-1. The effect of CVVH on blood pressure is not explained by convective clearance of the mediators in question.

A fresh look at augmenter of liver regeneration in rats.

Augmenter of liver regeneration (ALR) is a hepatotrophic protein originally identified by bioassay in regenerating rat and canine livers following partial hepatectomy and in the hyperplastic livers of weanling rats, but not in resting adult livers. The ALR gene and gene product were subsequently described, but little is known about the cellular/subcellular sites of ALR synthesis in the liver, or about the release and dissemination of the peptide. To obtain this information in rats, we raised antibodies in rabbits against rat ALR for development of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). ALR concentrations were then determined in intact livers of unaltered weanling and adult rats; in regenerating residual liver after partial hepatectomy; in cultured hepatocytes and nonparenchymal cells (NPCs); and in culture medium and serum. ALR in the various liver cells was localized with immunohistochemistry. In addition, hepatic ALR and ALR mRNA were assayed with Western blotting and reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), respectively. The hepatocyte was the predominant liver cell in which ALR was synthesized and stored; the cultured hepatocytes secreted ALR into the medium in a time-dependent fashion. Contrary to previous belief, the ALR peptide and ALR mRNA were present in comparable concentrations in the hepatocytes of both weanling and resting adult livers, as well as in cultured hepatocytes. A further unexpected finding was that hepatic ALR levels decreased for 12 hours after 70% hepatectomy in adult rats and then rose with no corresponding change in mRNA transcripts. In the meantime, circulating (serum) ALR levels increased up to 12 hours and declined thereafter. Thus, ALR appears to be constitutively expressed in hepatocytes in an inactive form, and released from the cells in an active form by unknown means in response to partial hepatectomy and under other circumstances of liver maturation (as in weanling rats) or regeneration.

Down-regulation of endothelin receptors by transforming growth factor beta1 in hepatic stellate cells.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Hepatic endothelin-1 (ET-1) receptor density as well as the levels of both ET-1 and transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1) increase in liver cirrhosis. Considering their potent contractile (ET-1) and fibrogenic (TGF-beta1) actions on myofibroblastic stellate cells found in the fibrotic/cirrhotic liver, we aimed to investigate the effects of TGF-beta1 on ET-1 receptors and ET-1 synthesis in these cells. METHODS: Stellate cells isolated from rat liver by enzymatic digestion were cultured and subjected to TGF-beta1 treatment. Cellular ET-1 receptors and ET-1 released in the medium were determined. RESULTS: TGF-beta1 treatment produced time- and dose-dependent decrease in ET-1 binding sites, but did not affect the affinity of the receptors for ET-1. TGF-beta1 also stimulated the release of ET-1 from stellate cells. The extent of TGF-beta1-induced inhibition of [125I]ET-1 binding was much greater for ETB subtype (73+/-18% inhibition), which comprised a major portion (78+/-12%) of the total ET-1 receptors, than for ETA subtype (35+/-11% inhibition). The mRNA expression of the ET-1 receptors also was reduced by TGF-beta1 treatment. TGF-beta1-induced reduction in ET-1 receptor density was coupled to the inhibition of ET-1-stimulated release of [3Hlarachidonic acid from the prelabeled cells. The effects of TGF-beta1 were inhibited by a TGF-beta1 neutralizing monoclonal antibody. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the TGF-beta1-induced decrease in ET-1 receptor density may be an important mechanism in limiting the pathologic actions of ET-1 on stellate cells in chronic liver disease.

Superoxide-induced changes in endothelin (ET) receptors in hepatic stellate cells.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Reactive oxygen species are mediators of various pathophysiologic events, including postischemic reperfusion injury and inflammation. Generation of reactive oxygen species and consequent organ injury are associated with increased levels of a powerful vasoconstrictor peptide endothelin-1. Current evidence suggests that actions of endothelin-1 on the contractile and fibrogenic transdifferentiated stellate cells may play a critical role in hepatic pathophysiology. The aim of this investigation was to determine whether reactive oxygen species modulate the synthesis of endothelin-1 and its receptors in stellate cells. METHODS: Primary cultures of transdifferentiated stellate cells were exposed to reactive oxygen species-generating system, hypoxanthine/xanthine oxidase, before determination of endothelin-1 and its receptors. RESULTS: The treatment caused an initial decrease in ET-1 receptor density (about 30% at 30 min), followed by a significant increase over the basal level at 6 h. The increase in the receptors, which occurred specifically in the ET(B) subtype, progressed thereafter up to 24 h and was accompanied by an augmented functional response, as indicated by an enhanced endothelin-1-induced release of [3H]arachidonic acid from the prelabeled cells. Furthermore, treatment of cells for 24 h but not 30 min caused increased expression of ET(B) mRNA as determined by semi-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The release of endothelin-1 in the culture medium was also enhanced by hypoxanthine/xanthine oxidase treatment. These effects of hypoxanthine/xanthine oxidase were inhibited by superoxide dismutase and dimethyl sulfoxide. ET-1-induced [3H]arachidonic acid release was also inhibited by the ET(B) receptor antagonist BQ788, but not by the ET(A) receptor antagonist BQ123. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that interactions between ET-1 and stellate cells during episodes of the generation of reactive oxygen species can be an important mechanism in the pathophysiology of hepatic disorders.

An endothelin receptor antagonist TAK-044 ameliorates carbon tetrachloride-induced acute liver injury and portal hypertension in rats.

Hepatic levels of a powerful vasoconstrictor endothelin-1 (ET-1) and its receptors increase in human and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver cirrhosis. The aim of this study was to determine whether antagonism of hepatic ET-1 receptors ameliorates CCl4-induced hepatic injury and portal hypertension in rats. Acute liver injury was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of CCl4 (0.3 ml/kg), whereas cirrhosis and portal hypertension were induced by CCl4 treatment (0.15 ml/kg twice a week) for 8 weeks. Hepatic morphology, ET-1 and its receptors, and portal venous pressures were determined. Increases in ET-1 and its receptors occurred within 24 h of CCl4 administration, and progressively thereafter during the development of cirrhosis. The acute CCl4-induced hepatic injury was characterized by significant increases in portal pressure (from 8.7+/-1.8 to 17.6+/-3.3 mmHg; p<0.01) and serum levels of liver enzymes, as well as massive hepatocellular necrosis (62+/-8%). Intravenous administration of an ET-1 receptor antagonist TAK-044 reduced portal pressure to 13.6+/-2.8 mmHg (p<0.05), and ameliorated hepatocellular necrosis by about 35% (p<0.001). TAK-044 treatment also produced significant reduction in serum levels of liver enzymes. In cirrhotic rats, portal venous infusion of TAK-044 reduced portal hypertension by about 40% (p<0.05). In conclusion, these results indicate involvement of ET-1 in acute liver injury as well as portal hypertension associated with hepatic cirrhosis, and a potential for ET-1 receptor antagonists in the treatment of these pathologic conditions.

Altered endothelin homeostasis in patients undergoing liver transplantation.

The liver is a major site of synthesis, clearance, and actions of the powerful vasoactive peptide endothelin-1 (ET-1). We investigated the role of the liver in ET-1 homeostasis by comparing circulating and hepatic ET-1 levels and hepatic ET receptors in patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation (OLTx) for end-stage liver disease (ESLD) with those in patients undergoing liver resection for focal lesions with otherwise normal hepatic synthetic function. Central venous and radial arterial blood was drawn immediately after induction of anesthesia (point I), 10 minutes before beginning of resection or the anhepatic stage (point II), and 30 minutes after completion of resection or reperfusion of the grafted liver (point III). Portal and hepatic venous blood was drawn at points II and III. Plasma ET-1 levels were higher in ESLD patients than in resection patients. Plasma ET-1 levels rose both during resection and transplantation; the increase in ET-1 was more pronounced during transplantation. In ESLD patients, hepatic venous ET-1 was higher than portal venous ET-1, suggesting reduced clearance and/or enhanced synthesis of the peptide in the cirrhotic liver. Conversely, hepatic venous ET-1 was lower than portal venous ET-1 in resection patients at all time points and at point III in the ESLD patients. Hepatic concentration of ET-1 was greater and the capacity of the liver to catabolize ET-1 was reduced in ESLD patients as compared to the resection patients. Further, hepatic ET receptor density was higher in ESLD than in resection patients. These results suggest that the cirrhotic liver may contribute to elevated plasma ET-1 in ESLD. Considering its potent hemodynamic and metabolic effects in the liver, increased hepatic ET-1 and ET receptors and plasma ET-1 could play a role in the pathophysiology of liver disease and perioperative complications of OLTx.

Increased hepatic endothelin-1 levels and endothelin receptor density in cirrhotic rats.

Endothelin-1 (ET-1), the most powerful agent to cause constriction of the hepatic vasculature, is synthesized in the liver by sinusoidal endothelial cells. Circulating ET-1 levels have been shown to increase in liver cirrhosis. As liver could be a major source of increased plasma ET-1 as well as a target for its pathologic actions, this study was designed to determine hepatic ET-1 and ET receptor(s) in experimental liver cirrhosis. Cirrhosis was induced in rats by intraperitoneal administration of carbon tetrachloride for 8 weeks. Hepatic ET-1 was measured by radioimmunoassay and ET receptors were determined by radioligand competition binding procedure. A four fold increase in ET-1 concentration accompanied by a 65% increase in ET-receptor density was observed in the cirrhotic liver. There was no change in the ET receptor affinity. The capacity of the liver to metabolize ET-1 was reduced significantly in cirrhosis. Interestingly, transforming growth factor-beta, hepatic levels of which increase in cirrhosis, stimulated ET-1 synthesis in cultured Ito cells. It has been shown that ET-1 is a potent constrictor of Ito cells that proliferate and transform into highly contractile myofibroblasts in liver cirrhosis. Thus, interactions between ET-1 and Ito cells may have significant implications in the pathogenesis and complications of liver cirrhosis.

Vascular smooth muscle cells metabolize endothelin-1 in the absence of a functional receptor.

Endothelin-1 (ET-1), a 21 amino acid vasoconstrictor peptide synthesized by vascular endothelial cells, exerts powerful actions on the underlying smooth muscle cells. The receptor and signal transduction mechanisms for ET-1 have been well characterized in rat aortic A10 vascular smooth muscle cells (A10VSMC). This investigation has characterized the internalization and metabolism of [125I]ET-1 by A10VSMC. A10VSMC internalized [125I]ET-1 rapidly in a receptor-mediated manner. However, inhibition of the binding/internalization had no effect on the metabolism of [125I]ET-1 by these cells. Thus, the presence of excess unlabeled ET-1 in the incubation, treatment of the cells with ET receptor antagonists, and homologous ligand-induced down-regulation of the ET-1 receptor all inhibited binding and internalization of [125I]ET-1 by A10VSMC, but not its metabolism. Furthermore, addition of excess unlabeled ET-1 to the incubations containing cells pretreated with the homologous ligand (receptor down-regulated cells) also failed to inhibit the metabolism of [125I]ET-1. Essentially similar characteristics of [125I]ET-1 binding and metabolism were exhibited by primary cultures of smooth muscle cells derived from rat thoracic aorta. Such ability of the vascular smooth muscle cells to degrade ET-1, which is produced constitutively by the endothelial cells, presents a novel mechanism in the regulation of its local and circulating concentration.

Endothelin stimulates platelet-activating factor synthesis by cultured rat Kupffer cells.

Endothelins are potent peptide mediators that elicit glycogenolytic and vasoconstrictor actions in the liver. Endothelins were found to stimulate the synthesis and release of the lipid mediator platelet-activating factor in cultured rat Kupffer cells. Endothelin-mediated synthesis of platelet-activating factor required extracellular calcium in that the calcium chelator, EGTA and nifedipine, a calcium ion channel blocker, inhibited platelet-activating factor synthesis. The phospholipase A2 inhibitor, 4-bromophenacyl bromide, strongly inhibited endothelin-induced platelet activating factor synthesis. Endothelin-stimulated platelet activating factor synthesis was inhibited after treatment of Kupffer cells with cholera toxin, whereas pertussis toxin inhibited only this response to endothelin-1. Agents that elevate intracellular cyclic AMP levels were found to inhibit endothelin-induced platelet-activating factor synthesis in Kupffer cells. Staurosporine, a protein kinase C inhibitor minimized endothelin-induced platelet-activating factor synthesis but phorbol myristate acetate, an activator of protein kinase C, did not affect endothelin-induced platelet activating factor synthesis. Thus, the current study demonstrates that activation of an endothelin receptor in cultured rat Kupffer cells results in the synthesis and release of platelet-activating factor. The importance of endothelin-mediated platelet-activating factor synthesis relates to the mechanism of intercellular signaling occurring between endothelial cells (i.e., the site of endothelin synthesis) and Kupffer cells (i.e., the site of formation of secondary mediators such as platelet-activating factor and eicosanoids) within the rat liver exposed to various types of pathophysiological episodes.