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World J Gastroenterol. Jun 14, 2007; 13(22): 3133-3136
Published online Jun 14, 2007. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v13.i22.3133
Isolation of Kupffer cells and their suppressive effects on T lymphocyte growth in rat orthotopic liver transplantation
Hua Liu, Hui Cao, Zhi-Yong Wu
Hua Liu, Hui Cao, Zhi-Yong Wu, Department of General Surgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China
Author contributions: All authors contributed equally to the work.
Correspondence to: Zhi-Yong Wu, Department of General Surgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 1630 Dong Fang Road, Shanghai 200127,China. housman111@yahoo.com.cn
Telephone: +86-21-68383090 Fax: +86-21-58394262
Received: February 5, 2007
Revised: February 22, 2007
Accepted: March 8, 2007
Published online: June 14, 2007
Abstract

AIM: To develop a practical method for isolation, purification and culture of hepatic Kupffer cells (KCs) and to observe their suppressive effects on the proliferation of alloreactive T cells.

METHODS: Perfusion in situ in vivo combined with density gradient centrifugation was applied in isolation, purification and culture of hepatic KC. The suppression by KCs on the T cell proliferation in mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) was observed.

RESULTS: This method resulted in a satisfactorily high yield of (1.1 ± 0.2) × 107 KCs per liver, (93.5% ± 1.8%) viable cells, over 90% purity and positive for ED-2. After the first 24 h in culture, a great number of KCs which exhibited typical characteristics were observed. Using 3H-TdR incorporation assay, non-irradiated KCs significantly suppressed allo-MLR. The KCs recovered from accepted liver allografts in groups D and E were more effective in suppressing allo-MLR.

CONCLUSION: A standardized procedure for isolation of highly purified rat KCs is proposed and KCs have suppressive effects on the proliferation of alloreactive T cells, especially those derived from accepted liver allografts.

Keywords: Liver transplantation; Kupffer cell; T cell