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Background and aims: Liver regeneration and functional interaction between native liver and graft after auxiliary partial orthotopic liver transplantation (APOLT) are not entirely understood and, therefore, require an experimental model simulating the clinical features of acute liver failure (ALF) and the surgical technique of APOLT. Materials and methods: ALF was induced by subtotal hepatectomy in 50 Lewis rats (200–250 g). Sham operation (I), ALF without treatment (II), ALF with portocaval shunt for decreasing blood flow of the remnant liver (III), and ALF treated by APOLT (IV) were performed. The auxiliary graft represented a left donor liver lobe which was orthotopically implanted using a microsurgical technique including reconstruction of the graft artery and internal biliary drainage. Operative outcomes, serum chemistry and histopathological findings were examined up to the 14th day. Results: ALF without treatment (groups II and III) led to a small droplet fatty degeneration in the hepatocytes and a significant increase of liver parameters until the death of the animals within the first two postoperative days (P<0.05). After APOLT (group IV), 80% of the animals survived up to the 14th day, revealing significantly decreased liver parameters (P<0.05), a well-perfused graft and an up to five times increased native liver size with normal architecture. Conclusion: This new rat model simulates the clinical features of an ALF treated by APOLT and is especially interesting for further basic research on the interaction between native liver and auxiliary graft after APOLT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leukocyte emigration from blood to sites of inflammation involves sequential interaction of specific adhesion molecules expressed by both leukocytes and endothelial cells. The central steps in leukocyte-endothelial adhesive interactions are leukocyte rolling, sticking, and transmigration. This study investigated the effect of monoclonal antibodies against CD54 (ICAM-1) and CD11b (αM-chain of MAC-1) on intestinal inflammation. Anti-CD54 and anti-CD11b were tested in rats with indomethacin-induced chronic ileitis. Macroscopic changes were assessed by a modified version of the Wallace et al. score. Leukocyte rolling and sticking were investigated by intravital microscopy. Results show that indomethacin administration led to a chronic inflammatory response characterized by significant increase ( P<0.05) in rolling (from 5.41±2.87 to 32.41±15.03 100 µm–1 s–1) and sticking (from 0.16±0.18 to 9.11±5.3 100 µm–1 s–1) leukocytes. After antibody treatment only the anti-CD11b group showed significant ( P<0.05) reduction in rolling (from 32.41±15.03 to 6.6±2.7 100 µm–1 s–1) and sticking (from 9.11±5.3 to 0.07±0.09 100 µm–1 s–1) leukocytes. This was also the case for macroscopic changes. Indomethacin led to a rise in the Wallace score from 0 to 4.29±0.76 points ( P<0.05) and anti-CD11b to a reduction from 4.29±0.76 to 1.29±1.11 points ( P<0.05). Anti-CD54 and combined anti-CD11b/CD54 administration was not followed by significant changes. Therefore we suggest that leukocyte-based CD11b but not endothelial-based CD54 contributes most to leukocyte adhesion in the setting of indomethacin-induced ileitis in rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Inflammatory conditions like inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are characterized by increased immune cell infiltration. The chemokine ligand CX 3 CL1 and its receptor CX 3 CR1 have been shown to be involved in leukocyte adhesion, transendothelial recruitment, and chemotaxis. Therefore, the objective of this study was to describe CX3CL1-CX3CR1-mediated signaling in the induction of immune cell recruitment during experimental murine colitis., Methods: Acute colitis was induced by dextran sodium sulfate (DSS), and sepsis was induced by injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Serum concentrations of CX 3 CR1 and CX 3 CL1 were measured by ELISA. Wild-type and CX 3 CR1 -/- mice were challenged with DSS, and on day 6, intravital microscopy was performed to monitor colonic leukocyte and platelet recruitment. Intestinal inflammation was assessed by disease activity, histopathology, and neutrophil infiltration., Results: CX 3 CR1 was upregulated in DSS colitis and LPS-induced sepsis. CX 3 CR1 -/- mice were protected from disease severity and intestinal injury in DSS colitis, and CX 3 CR1 deficiency resulted in reduced rolling of leukocytes and platelets., Conclusions: In the present study, we provide evidence for a crucial role of CX 3 CL1-CX 3 CR1 in experimental colitis, in particular for intestinal leukocyte recruitment during murine colitis. Our findings suggest that CX 3 CR1 blockade represents a potential therapeutic strategy for treatment of IBD.

The gum resin extract from Boswellia serrata (H15), an herbal product, was recently shown to have positive therapeutic effects in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, the mechanisms and constituents responsible for these effects are poorly understood. This study examined the effect of the Boswellia extract and its single constituent acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA) on leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions in an experimental model of IBD. Ileitis was induced by two subcutaneous injections of indomethacin (7.5 mg/kg) in Sprague-Dawley rats 24 h apart. Rats also received oral treatment with the Boswellia extract (H15) or AKBA at two different doses (low and high) equivalent to recommendations in human disease over 2 days. Controls received only the carriers NaHCO3 (subcutaneously) and tylose (orally). Effects of treatment were assessed by intravital microscopy in ileal submucosal venules for changes in the number of rolling and adherent leukocytes and by macroscopic and histological scoring. Increased leukocyte-endothelial cell adhesive interactions and severe tissue injury accompanied indomethacin-induced ileitis. Treatment with the Boswellia extract or AKBA resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in rolling (up to 90%) and adherent (up to 98%) leukocytes. High-dose Boswellia extract as well as both low- and high-dose AKBA significantly attenuated tissue injury scores. Oral therapy with the Boswellia extract or AKBA significantly reduces macroscopic and microcirculatory inflammatory features normally associated with indomethacin administration, indicating that the anti-inflammatory actions of the Boswellia extract in IBD may be due in part to boswellic acids such as AKBA.

Ischemia leads to profound endothelin- (ET) related constriction of hepatic microvessels, causing disturbances in blood and oxygen supply. The aim of the study was to modulate hepatic microvascular diameters by blocking ET receptors to find the optimal therapeutic vessel width for reduction of ischemia-reperfusion injury. In an in vivo model (84 female Wistar rats, 250-300 g) with portal decompression by means of a splenocaval shunt, normothermic hepatic ischemia was induced for 30 min by crossclamping of the hepatoduodenal ligament. The ET receptor antagonist (ERA) bosentan was administered before induction of ischemia in different dosages [0.1, 1.0 and 10.0 mg/kg body weight (BW) i.v. and 10 mg/kg BW intraportally (i.p.)]. The effect on microcirculation was assessed by in vivo microscopy and influence on hepatocellular function by measurement of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels. Sinusoidal diameters were reduced as a result of ischemia to 76.3 +/- 7.4% compared with values received from sham-operated animals. After application of 0.1 mg/kg of bosentan, sinusoids remained constricted (89.7 +/- 9.9%, AST 255.0 +/- 12.8 U/l). Blocking ET receptors with 1 mg/kg bosentan avoided sinusoidal constriction (99.0 +/- 8.8%, p < 0.05) and led to the most effective reduction of AST level peak after 6 h of reperfusion (244.0 +/- 34.2 U/l vs 422.9 +/- 163.3 U/l in untreated ischemia). Bosentan (10 mg/kg i.v.) caused an increase in sinusoidal diameter to 109.1 +/- 6.4% (AST 311.7 +/- 33.6 U/l) and 10 mg/kg i.p. to 136.8 +/- 19.3% and even increase AST levels (618.90 +/- 209.32 U/l). After intravenous application of 1 and 10 mg/kg BW bosentan the perfusion rate was significantly increased and sticking of leukocytes in sinusoids and venules reduced (p < 0.05). In our model, diameters of sinusoids and postsinusoidal venules could be regulated gradually. We conclude that the avoidance of constriction, but not an excessive vasodilation leads to increased perfusion rate and hence improved hepatocellular function.

During ischemia-reperfusion an imbalance between endothelin (ET) and nitric oxide (NO) can be responsible for microcirculatory disturbances. The aim of this study was to restore the ET/NO balance to reduce the ischemia-reperfusion injury. Hepatic ischemia was induced for 30 min in 56 Wistar rats. Sham operation, ischemia and treatment groups with the ET receptor antagonist (ERA) bosentan (1 mg/kg body weight i.v.) and the NO donor L-arginine (400 mg/kg body weight i.v.) were performed. For evaluation of hepatic microcirculation in vivo microscopy was carried out 30-90 min after reperfusion. Local hepatic tissue PO2, laser Doppler flow and aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase (AST/ALT) levels were measured. Increased ET caused sinusoidal constriction after reperfusion to 76% of the sham group (p < 0.05), leading to significant decrease in perfusion rate (82%), liver tissue PO2 (6.9 mmHg) and erythrocyte flux (45.2% of sham group). Hepatocellular damage could be detected 6 h after reperfusion by AST/ALT increase (p < 0.05). Sinusoidal diameters were maintained at baseline in the ERA (98%) and NO (102%) groups (p < 0.05). Increased percentage of leukocytes sticking in sinusoids (144%) and venules (435%) was reduced by therapy to 110/253% (ERA) and 111/324% (NO), respectively (p < 0.05). Perfusion rate was increased to 93 and 94% (p < 0.05 vs ischemia). Local hepatic tissue PO2 was improved 30 min after reperfusion in the ERA (11.0 mmHg) as well as in the NO group (11.5 mmHg; p < 0.05 vs ischemia). Measurement with a laser Doppler flow meter revealed significant improved erythrocyte flux in both therapy groups (p < 0.05 vs ischemia). Also, the post-ischemic AST/ALT increase was reduced by therapy. In conclusion, ET evokes strong constriction of post-ischemic sinusoids, leading to microcirculatory disturbances. The maintenance of the ET/NO balance by blocking ET receptors, or providing an NO donor, protects liver microcirculation and reduces hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Introduction: Von Recklinghausen's neurofibromatosis is known to occur with markedly variable expressivity. Nevertheless, cases that do not feature characteristic findings are uncommon., Case: We report an extremely rare, sporadic case of neurofibromatosis, exclusively represented in the skeleton of a 49-year-old woman. The late onset of the disease and the absence of common diagnostic criteria permit us to classify it as neurofibromatosis type VII. Additionally, the disease was complicated by early malignant transformation of a thoracic neurinoma, which was removed by a wide local resection. Two years after surgery, the patient developed local recurrence and liver metastases. She died a few months later despite aggressive chemotherapy.

Introduction: Endothelin (ET) and nitric oxide (NO) act as opponents in the regulation of the hepatic microcirculation. During ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) ET levels are increased, whereas no rise in NO levels is observed. This imbalance may be responsible for microcirculatory disturbances. The aim of this study was to restore the delicate ET/NO balance to maintain the integrity of the hepatic microcirculation and to reduce I/R injury., Methods: Ischemia was induced by crossclamping of the hepatoduodenal ligament for 30 min with portal decompression using a splenocaval shunt (56 Wistar rats, 200-250 g). Sham operation, ischemia and treatment groups with the endothelin receptor antagonist (ERA) bosentan (1 mg/kg body weight i.v.) and the NO donor L-arginine (400 mg/kg body weight i.v.) were performed. For assessment of the microcirculation, sinusoidal perfusion rate, diameters of sinusoids and postsinusoidal venules, leukocyte endothelium interactions and velocity of free-flowing leukocytes were investigated by means of in vivo microscopy 30-90 min after reperfusion. Local hepatic tissue PO2 was measured prior to ischemia, 30 min and 60 min after reperfusion and aspartate aminotransferase (AST)/alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were investigated 2 h and 6 h after reperfusion., Results: After ischemia, sinusoidal and venular diameters were reduced to 76% and 85%, respectively, of sham operation group values (P<0.05), but were maintained at baseline in ERA (98/102%) and NO (102/105%) groups (P<0.05). Increased postischemic leukocyte sticking in sinusoids (144%) and venules (435%) was reduced by therapy to 110/253% (ERA) and 111/ 324% (NO), respectively (P<0.05). Perfusion rate was increased to 93% and 94% compared with 82% in the ischemia group (P<0.05). Concomitant with the improved microcirculation in therapy groups, local hepatic tissue pO2 was improved 30 min after reperfusion in the ERA (11.0 mmHg) and the L-arginine group (11.5 mmHg) relative to the ischemic group (6.9 mmHg) (P<0.05). In addition, postischemic AST/ALT increase was reduced by therapy., Conclusion: Our results indicate that maintenance of ET/NO balance by blocking ET receptors, as well as providing a NO donor, protects the liver microcirculation and reduces hepatic I/R injury.