Altered mucosal immune response in CCl4-induced liver cirrhotic rats

Changes of immunological response in GALT were examined in CCl4-induced liver cirrhotic rats. In these rats, the number of transported lymphocytes through intestinal lymph especially T cell population was significantly suppressed with marked lymphangiectasia of small intestine. The population of pan-T cells especially suppressor/cytotoxic-T cells were significantly decreased in the intestinal mucosa and mesenteric lymph nodes. On the other hand, mucosal IgA containing cells and macrophages were remarkably increased. In spite of increased IgA containing cells, specific antibody production against cholera toxin appeared to be decreased judging by anti-cholera toxin containing cell count in the mucosa and by ELISPOT assay of intestinal lymph cells in liver cirrhosis. In conclusion, other than altered systemic immunity, there are significant alterations in mucosal immune response which may closely associate with lymphatic disturbances in liver cirrhosis.