Post-ischemic intraportal adenosine administration protects against reperfusion injury of canine liver

Although adenosine has been postulated to inhibit ischemia‐reperfusion injury in various tissues, its in vivo cytoprotective mechanism is not fully known. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of intraportally infused adenosine on reperfusion injury in the canine liver. Two h ischemia and reperfusion of the liver were induced in beagle dogs by clamping the portal triad. Either adenosine or saline was infused in the portal vein after reperfusion for 60 min. Levels of serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase and the survival of animals were examined. Hepatic levels of protein carbonyls and glutathione were also measured, as markers of oxidative stress. One h after reperfusion, the liver was perfused with nitroblue tetrazolium and the formation of formazan was observed to evaluate superoxide formation. Twenty‐four h after reperfusion, 100% of animals in the adenosine group and 33% of animals in the control group survived. Adenosine significantly decreased the reperfusion‐induced increase in serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase. Adenosine also suppressed the formation of protein carbonyls and the decrease in glutathione levels. Histologically, neutrophil infiltration, superoxide formation, and apoptosis were decreased by adenosine. These results suggest that intraportally infused adenosine attenuates reperfusion injury of the liver, presumably by suppressing the activation of neutrophils and oxidative stress.     

Heme oxygenase-1 induction in hepatocytes and non-parenchymal cells protects against liver injury during endotoxemia

INTRODUCTION: Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is a stress response enzyme, which catalyses the breakdown of heme into biliverdin-IX alpha, carbon monoxide and ferrous iron. Under situations of oxidative stress, heat stress, ischemia/reperfusion injury or endotoxemia, HO-1 has been shown to be induced and to elicit a protective effect. The mechanism of how this protective effect is executed is unknown. RESULTS: HO-1 induction with cobalt protoporphorin (Co-PP) dose-dependently protected against apoptotic cell death as well as neutrophil-mediated oncosis in the galactosamine/endotoxin (Gal/ET) shock model. Induction of HO-1 with Co-PP dose-dependently protected against neutrophil-mediated oncosis as indicated by attenuated ALT release and TNF-mediated apoptotic cell death as indicated by reduced caspase-3 activation. HO-1 induction did not attenuate Gal/ET-induced TNF-alpha formation. Furthermore, a similar protective effect with the high dose of Co-PP was observed when animals were treated with Gal/TNF-alpha. CONCLUSIONS: HO-1 induction attenuates apoptosis and neutrophil-mediated oncosis in the Gal/ET shock model. However, the protective effect is not due to the reduction of TNF-alpha release or the attenuation of neutrophil accumulation in the liver sinusoids.     

Glutathione protects the rat liver against reperfusion injury after hypothermic preservation.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The extracellular generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by Kupffer cells contributes to reperfusion injury of the liver allograft. The endogenous antioxidant glutathione (GSH) can detoxify these ROS; however, this effect might be limited by the low extracellular concentration of GSH. We therefore investigated whether an increase of extracellular GSH protects the liver against reperfusion injury after cold preservation. METHODS: Livers of male Sprague-Dawley rats subjected to 24 hours of cold ischemia in University of Wisconsin solution (4 degrees C) were reperfused for 2 hours in the absence (controls) or presence of 0.5, 1, 2, or 4 mmol/L GSH (n = 4-6 each). RESULTS: Two hours after starting reperfusion of control livers, the sinusoidal release of lactate dehydrogenase and purine nucleoside phosphorylase increased to 247 +/- 96 and 27 +/- 13 mU. min(-1). g liver(-1), respectively, but only to 76 +/- 43 and 10 +/- 4 mU. min(-1). g liver(-1) in the presence of 4 mmol/L GSH. This cytoprotective effect was confirmed histologically by a marked reduction of trypan blue staining of hepatocytes. Compared with control livers, postischemic bile flow was significantly enhanced by GSH (0.15 +/- 0.02 vs. 0.41 +/- 0.11 microL. min(-1). g liver(-1)), indicating improved liver function. During reperfusion of control livers, intracellular GSH content declined from 4.5 +/- 0.3 to 2.3 +/- 0.1 micromol/g liver, but only to 3.8 +/- 0.4 micromol/g liver in the presence of 4 mmol/L GSH. Reperfusion of untreated livers was accompanied by a prolonged increase of portal pressure to maximally 12.5 +/- 1.9 cm H2O, which was significantly attenuated by 4 mmol/L GSH (7.2 +/- 1.4 cm H2O). Similar cytoprotective and hemodynamic effects were observed with 2 mmol/L GSH, but not with 0.5 and 1 mmol/L GSH. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of cold-preserved livers with GSH upon reperfusion prevents damage of hepatocytes, deterioration of the hepatic circulation, and loss of intracellular GSH. In view of these protective effects and its low toxicity in humans, GSH should be considered a candidate drug for prevention of ROS-related reperfusion injury of the liver allograft.     

Mild hypothermia protects liver against ischemia and reperfusion injury

AIM: To determine whether mild hypothermia could protect liver against ischemia and reperfusion injury in pigs. METHODS: Twenty-four healthy pigs were randomly divided into normothermia, mild hypothermia and normal control groups. The experimental procedure consisted of temporary interruption of blood flow to total hepatic lobe for different lengths of time and subsequent reperfusion. Hepatic tissue oxygen pressure (PtiO2) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) values were evaluated, and ultrastructural analysis was carried out for all samples. RESULTS: Serum AST was significantly lower, and hepatic PtiO2 values were significantly higher in the mild hypothermia group than in the normothermia group during liver ischemia-reperfusion periods (P= 0.032, P= 0.028). Meanwhile, the histopathologic injury of liver induced by ischemia-reperfusion was significantly improved in the mild hypothermia group, compared with that in the normothermia group. CONCLUSION: Mild hypothermia can protect the liver from ischemia-reperfusion injury in pigs.     

Trolox protects rat hepatocytes against oxyradical damage and the ischemic rat liver from reperfusion injury

Trolox, a hydrophilic analog of vitamin E, was reported to scavenge peroxyl radicals from artificial systems better than its parent compound. Here we examined the possible cytoprotective effect of Trolox in cultured hepatocytes and in the rat liver. In cultured rat hepatocytes, 0.5 to 16 mmol/L Trolox (with optimum between 1 to 2 mmol/L) was observed to prolong the survival of cells exposed to oxyradicals generated with xanthine oxidase-hypoxanthine. The protection by 1 mmol/L Trolox surpassed that provided by either ascorbate, mannitol, superoxide dismutase and/or catalase--each at a level giving its maximal protection in the same system. In both a global and partial model of hepatic ischemia-reperfusion in rats, infusion of Trolox (7.5 to 10 mumol/kg body weight) just before reflow reduced by greater than 80% the liver necrosis sustained in untreated (no Trolox) control rats. Such organ salvage was apparently accompanied by approximately 50% reduction in the amount of hepatic conjugated dienes, which were quantified by a highly specific radiochemical assay. Since conjugated dienes are presumed to be good "markers" of oxyradical damage, our data may have provided a semiquantitative link between free radical-induced necrosis and its chemical imprint in vivo. The data also indicated a relatively rapid and potent antioxidant-like action by Trolox on rat hepatocytes and on the postischemic reperfused rat liver.     

Notch signal protects non-parenchymal cells from ischemia/reperfusion injury in vitro by repressing ROS

Background. We have previously reported that Notch signaling pathway protects hepatocytes from ische-mia/reperfusion (I/R) injury by repressing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. However, apart from hepatocytes, non-parenchymal cells including vascular endothelia cells, Kupffer cells and hepatic stellate cells are also reported to be involved in hepatic I/R injury.Aim. To clarify the role of Notch signaling in non-parenchymal cells subjected to I/R injury.Materials and methods. Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs), mouse macrophage line RAW264.7 and rat hepatic stellate cell line HSC-T6 were cultured and subjected to I/R injury, respectively. Activation of Notch signaling was assessed by NICD western blot. Then, pharmacological inhibitor (γ-secretase inhibitor GSI) was used to block Notch signaling of related cell lines in vitro. Intracellular ROS was detected and analyzed by FACS and apoptosis was examined by TUNEL staining and Annexin V staining. Results. Notch signaling responded to I/R injury and I/R injury induced activation of Notch signaling in nonparenchymal cells. Notch signal deficiency led to overproduction of ROS and aggravated cell death of non-parenchymal cells subjected to I/R injury.Conclusion. Notch signal protectes non-parenchymal cells from I/R injury by repressing ROS.     

苦参碱对大鼠小体积肝移植缺血再灌注损伤的保护作用

目的: 探讨苦参碱对大鼠小体积肝移植缺血再灌注损伤的保护作用及机制.方法:采用大鼠30%小体积肝移植模型, ♂SD大鼠322只随机分为假手术组、小体积肝移植对照组和高、低剂量苦参碱治疗组(60、40 mg/kg). 观察术后1 wk生存率, 检测移植术2h、4 h、1 d、2 d、3d、7 d后ALT、AST及LDH值. 光镜及电镜下评估移植肝病理形态学改变, ELISA法检测肝脏IL-6, TNF-α表达.结果: 与对照组比较, 苦参碱高、低剂量治疗组术后1 wk生存率显著增加(80%, 70% vs 50%, 均P<0.05), 术后2h、4h、1d ALT、AST及LDH明显降低(P<0.01). 苦参碱治疗组中肝细胞和肝窦内皮细胞凋亡减少、细胞形态明显改善, 苦参碱治疗组术后2 h、4 h、1 d肝脏组织中IL-6, TNF-α水平明显降低(P<0.01). 结论:苦参碱可减轻肝细胞及肝窦内皮细胞的损伤, 改善小体积肝移植术后缺血再灌注损伤, 其机制可能与苦参碱抑制肝移植术后IL-6、TNF-α等炎症因子的释放有关.     

Sinusoidal endothelial cell repopulation following ischemia/reperfusion injury in rat liver transplantation

We evaluated the kinetics by which rat liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) are repopulated in the reperfused transplanted liver after 18 hours of cold ischemic storage. We found that the majority of LSECs in livers cold-stored for 18 hours in University of Wisconsin solution are seriously compromised and often are retracted before transplantation. Sinusoids rapidly re-endothelialize within 48 hours of transplantation, and repopulation is coincident with up-regulation of hepatocyte vascular endothelial growth factor expression and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 expression on large vessel endothelial cells and repopulating LSECs. Although re-endothelialization occurs rapidly, we show here, using several high-resolution imaging techniques and 2 different rat liver transplantation models, that engraftment of bone marrow-derived cells into functioning LSECs is routinely between 1% and 5%. CONCLUSION: Bone marrow plays a measurable but surprisingly limited role in the rapid repopulation and functional engraftment of bone marrow-derived LSECs after cold ischemia and warm reperfusion.     

Accumulation of extracellular ATP protects against acute reperfusion injury in rat heart endothelial cells

OBJECTIVE: Ischemia-reperfusion provokes barrier failure of the coronary microvasculature, leading to myocardial edema development that jeopardizes functional recovery of the heart during reperfusion. Here, we tested whether adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP), either exogenously applied or spontaneously released during reperfusion, protects the endothelial barrier against an imminent reperfusion injury and whether interventions preventing ATP breakdown augment this protective ATP effect. METHODS: Cultured microvascular coronary endothelial monolayers and isolated-perfused hearts of rat were used. RESULTS: After ischemic conditions were induced, reperfusion of endothelial monolayers activated the endothelial contractile machinery and caused intercellular gap formation. It also led to the release of ATP. When its breakdown was inhibited by 6-N,N-diethyl-beta,gamma-dibromomethylene-D-ATP (ARL 67156; 100 microM), a selective ectonucleotidase inhibitor, contractile activation and gap formation were significantly reduced. Reperfusion in the presence of exogenously added ATP (10 microM) plus ARL caused an additional reduction of both aforementioned effects. In contrast, elevation of ATP degradation by apyrase (1 U/ml), a soluble ectonucleotidase, or addition of adenosine (10 microM) provoked an increase in gap formation during reperfusion that could be completely inhibited by 8-phenyltheophylline (8-PT; 10 microM), an adenosine receptor antagonist. In Langendorff-perfused rat hearts, the reperfusion-induced increase in water content was significantly reduced by ARL plus ATP. Under conditions favouring ATP degradation, an increase in myocardial edema was observed that could be blocked by 8-PT. CONCLUSION: ATP, either released from cells or exogenously applied, protects against reperfusion-induced failure of the coronary endothelial barrier. Inhibition of ATP degradation enhances the stabilizing effect of ATP on barrier function.     

Pathogenesis of alcoholic liver disease: interactions between parenchymal and non-parenchymal cells

The development of alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a complex process involving both the parenchymal and non-parenchymal cells in the liver. The impact of ethanol on hepatocytes can be characterized as a condition of organelle stress with multifactorial changes in hepatocellular function accumulating during ethanol exposure. These changes include oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, decreased methylation capacity, endoplasmic reticulum stress, impaired vesicular trafficking and altered proteasome function. Injury to hepatocytes is attributed, in part, to ethanol metabolism by the hepatocytes. Changes in the structural integrity of hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells, as well as enhanced inflammation in the liver during ethanol exposure are also important contributors to injury. Activation of hepatic stellate cells initiates the deposition of extracellular matrix proteins characteristic of fibrosis. Kupffer cells, the resident macrophages in the liver, are particularly critical to the onset of ethanol-induced liver injury. Chronic ethanol exposure sensitizes Kupffer cells to activation by lipopolysaccharides via toll-like receptor 4. This sensitization enhances the production of inflammatory mediators, such as tumor necrosis factor-α and reactive oxygen species that contribute to hepatocyte dysfunction, necrosis and apoptosis of hepatocytes and the generation of extracellular matrix proteins leading to fibrosis. In this review we provide an overview of the complex interactions between parenchymal and non-parenchymal cells in the liver during the progression of ethanol-induced liver injury.     

Polyenylphosphatidylcholine pretreatment protects rat liver from ischemia/reperfusion injury

Background

Hepatic injury induced by ischemia/reperfusion following surgery, transplantation, or circulatory shock combined with resuscitation is a major clinical problem. Polyenylphosphatidylcholine (PPC) has strong antioxidant, cytoprotective and anti-inflammatory effects.

Aim

In this study, the influence of PPC pretreatment on ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury of the liver was examined in rats.

Methods

The animals were divided into three groups: control (n = 10), I/R (n = 15) and I/R + PPC (n = 15). PPC was given 100 mg/day for 7 days before experiment. Several parameters of hepatic damage, oxidative stress, neutrophil infiltration and nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-κB) expression were measured as well as microscopic examination.

Results

We observed that a significant reduction in AST and ALT values in the PPC treated group when compared with the ischemic group. The increases in hepatic total NO₂ + NO₃ and MDA, and decreases in SOD and GSH levels after reperfusion were partially, but significantly, inhibited by PPC pretreatment. I/R induced increase in hepatic myeloperoxidase content and NF-κB expression were also lowered by PPC pretreatment. Animals pretreated with PPC presented minimal hemorrhage and reduced signs of liver injury.

Conclusion

PPC pretretament provided significant protection againts I/R injury to the liver. This treatment could be therapeutic in liver transplantation and other conditions associated with I/R injury.     

Growth and differentiation of adult rat hepatocytes regulated by the interaction between parenchymal and non-parenchymal liver cells

We have devised a medium which supports the continuous growth of hepatocytes without losing their replicative potential and differentiation capacity for a longer period. The medium HCGM, contains four key substances in addition to foetal bovine serum. They are epidermal growth factor, nicotinamide, ascorbic acid 2-phosphate and dimethylsulphoxide. When a non-parenchymal cell fraction containing small hepatocytes and non-parenchymal cells was cultured in HCGM, small hepatocytes grew clonally and differentiated into cells expressing either mature hepatocyte marker proteins or biliary cell marker proteins. Thus, for the first time, we showed the presence of a small compartment of bipotent and highly replicative clonogenic hepatocytes in the rat adult liver. HCGM also supported the growth of stellate cells (Ito cells) which were in the original preparation, suggesting the important role of stellate cells for the successful cultivation of hepatocytes. Together, these results suggest that a microenvironment is produced as a result of cooperative interactions between hepatocytes and stellate cells: one which stimulates the growth and differentiation of clonogenic hepatocytes.     

缺血后适应对老龄大鼠心肌缺血再灌注损伤的保护作用

目的：研究缺血后适应能否减轻老龄大鼠急性心肌缺血再灌注损伤,比较缺血后适应的心脏保护作用在成年和老龄大鼠之间有无差别。方法32只雄性F344大鼠分为成年（6～8月龄）和老龄（20～22月龄）组,每组再分为缺血再灌注（I/R）组（缺血30min,再灌注2h,8只）和缺血后适应（IPost）组（缺血30min,给予4轮10s再通/10s缺血后再灌注2h,8只）,监测平均动脉压（MAP）、心率收缩压乘积（RPP）等血流动力学参数和心电图,测定心肌梗死面积,再灌注2h后检测血清肌酸激酶（CK）和乳酸脱氢酶（LDH）浓度。结果再灌注2h时,成年IPost组MAP和RPP均高于I/R组（P＜0.05）,而老龄IPost组与I/R组间差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）。再灌注初30min内,成年IPost组和I/R组心律失常评分分别为1分和3.5分,两者间差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）;老龄IPost组和I/R组心律失常评分分别为2分和3分,两者间差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）。成年和老龄IPost组心肌梗死面积较I/R组分别减少52%和44%（均P＜0.05）。成年和老龄IPost组CK和LDH浓度较I/R组均有明显降低（P＜0.05）。结论缺血后适应能缩小老龄大鼠心肌梗死面积、减少心肌酶释放,且其程度与成年大鼠相似;同时缺血后适应能改善成年大鼠心肌顿抑、减少再灌注心律失常,但此作用在老龄大鼠未观察到。     

Melatonin protects steatotic and nonsteatotic liver grafts against cold ischemia and reperfusion injury

Abstract: Chronic organ‐donor shortage has required the acceptance of steatotic livers for transplantation purposes despite the higher risk of graft dysfunction or nonfunction associated with the cold ischemia–reperfusion injury. This study evaluated the use of melatonin as an additive to Institute Georges Lopez (IGL‐1) solution for protecting nonsteatotic and steatotic liver grafts against cold ischemia–reperfusion injury. In the current investigation, we used an ex vivo isolated perfused rat liver model. Steatotic and nonsteatotic livers were preserved for 24 hr (4°C) in University of Wisconsin or IGL‐1 solutions with or without melatonin, as well as in University of Wisconsin solution alone. Thereafter, livers were subjected to 2‐hr reperfusion (37°C). We assessed hepatic injury (transaminases) and function [bile production and sulfobromophthalein (BSP) clearance, vascular resistance], as well as other factors potentially implicated in the high vulnerability of steatotic livers against ischemia–reperfusion injury (oxidative stress and related inflammatory mediators including nitric oxide and cytokines). We also evaluated well‐known cytoprotective factors as hemeoxygenase 1 (HO‐1). Fatty livers preserved in IGL‐1 solution enriched with melatonin showed lower transaminase levels and higher bile production and BSP clearance when compared to those obtained for livers maintained in IGL‐1 solution alone. A significant diminution of vascular resistance was also observed when melatonin was added to the IGL‐1 solution. The melatonin benefits correlated with the generation of nitric oxide (through constitutive e‐NOS activation) and the prevention of oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokine release including tumor necrosis factor and adiponectin, respectively. The addition of melatonin to IGL‐1 solution improved nonsteatotic and steatotic liver graft preservation, limiting their risk against cold ischemia–reperfusion injury.     

老年大鼠心肌缺血再灌注损伤的缺血后处理保护

目的:评价老年大鼠急性心肌缺血再灌注后的损伤以及缺血后处理的保护作用,并比较与成年大鼠之间的区别.方法:成年及老年雄性SD大鼠,左侧开胸,建立心肌缺血/再灌注模型.实验共分为6组,成年及老年大鼠各3组(n=8/成年组,n=6/老年组):成年大鼠缺血再灌注组(I/Radult)及老年大鼠缺血再灌注组(I/Raged);成...     

环孢菌素A拮抗心肌缺血/再灌注损伤的作用

目的:研究环孢菌素A(CsA)拮抗小型猪心肌缺血/再灌注损伤(MI/RI)的作用及可能的机制。方法:经皮球囊封堵冠状动脉左前降支制备小型猪MI/RI模型。将存活的动物随机分为3组:即对照组(n=4)、CsA组(n=6)及他可英司(FK-506)组(n=6),分别静滴生理盐水100 ml、25 mg/kg CsA及1 mg/kg FK-506。所有动物均经90 min缺血和3 h再灌注。通过病理检查评估心肌梗死(MI)面积。用免疫组化染色法检测心肌细胞凋亡。用透射电子显微镜观察各组心肌细胞线粒体的形态。结果:CsA组MI的面积比对照组[(7.5±0.6)cm2vs.(10.5±2.6)cm2]和FK-506组[(7.5±0.6)cm2vs.(9.6±2.7)cm2]明显减少(P0.01);CsA组心肌细胞的凋亡率(%)比对照组[(11.9±1.88)%vs.(22.3±1.66)%]和FK-506组[(11.9±1.88)%vs.(19.2±1.82)%]明显下降(P0.01)。透射电子显微镜检查显示,CsA组能维持线粒体的形态,线粒体坍塌的百分率为(20%±7%),比对照组(53%±12%)和FK-506组(47%±9%)明显减少(P0.01)。结论:CsA可能对MI/RI具有拮抗作用,其机制可能是通过抑制线粒体膜通透性转换孔(mPTP),保持线粒体形态完整而实现,此种效应不依赖于钙调磷酸酶抑制途径。     

环孢菌素A拮抗心肌缺血／再灌注损伤的作用

目的：研究环孢菌素A（CsA）拮抗小型猪心肌缺血／再灌注损伤（MI／RI）的作用及可能的机制。方法：经皮球囊封堵冠状动脉左前降支制备小型猪MI／RI模型。将存活的动物随机分为3组：即对照组（n=4）、CsA组（n=6）及他可英司（FK-506）组（n=6）,分别静滴生理盐水100ml、25mg／kgCsA及1mg／kgFK-506。所有动物均经90rain缺血和3h再灌注。通过病理检查评估心肌梗死（MI）面积。用免疫组化染色法检测心肌细胞凋亡。用透射电子显微镜观察各组心肌细胞线粒体的形态。结果：CsA组MI的面积比对照组[（7．5±0．6）cm。粥．（10．5±2．6）cm。]和FK-506组[（7．5±0．6）cm。掷．（9．6±2．7）cm。]明显减少（P〈0．01）;CsA组心肌细胞的凋亡率（％）比对照组[（11．9±1．88）％郴．（22．3±1．66）％]和FK-506组[（11．9±1．88）％郴．（19．2±1．82）％]明显下降（JP〈0．01）。透射电子显微镜检查显示,CsA组能维持线粒体的形态,线粒体坍塌的百分率为（20％±7％）,比对照组（53％±12％）和FK-506组（47％±9％）明显减少（P〈0．01）。结论：CsA可能对MI／RI具有拮抗作用,其机制可能是通过抑制线粒体膜通透性转换孔（mPTP）,保持线粒体形态完整而实现,此种效应不依赖于钙调磷酸酶抑制途径。     

Endotoxin tolerance protects against local hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury in the rat

Liver surgery and liver transplantation as well as circulatory shock are often associated with hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Recent evidence suggests that TNF-alpha plays a central role in I/R injury and, therefore, down-regulation of TNF-alpha seems to be a promising way to protect against the deleterious consequences of I/R. Endotoxin tolerance represents a state of unresponsiveness to endotoxin and is associated with diminished TNF-alpha production. Thus, the effect of endotoxin tolerance on hepatic I/R injury of the liver was investigated in a rat model. I/R injury was induced by temporary ischemia of the left lateral liver lobe for 90 min followed by a 3 h observation period of reperfusion. I/R injury resulted in functional hepatic disorder characterized by a decrease both in bile flow and bile acid concentration and 50% mortality. This was prevented by induction of endotoxin tolerance. Hepatic TNF-alpha mRNA expression after I/R of the liver was determined by RT-PCR. In untreated rats, TNF-alpha mRNA was induced in the liver 60 min after reperfusion and further increased until 3 h after reperfusion. In contrast, in endotoxin-tolerant rats, no increases in TNF-alpha mRNA expression were detected. This suggests that induction of endotoxin tolerance protects against hepatic I/R injury possibly via down-regulation of intra-organ TNF-alpha expression.