Alterations of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin 6 production and activity of the reticuloendothelial system in experimental obstructive jaundice in rats

BackgroundImmunological changes are well recognised in obstructive jaundice. The aim of this study was to monitor plasma tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in rats with obstructive jaundice.MethodsThe ability of splenocytes and peritoneal exudate cells (PEC) to produce these cytokines both spontaneously and on induction with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), was compared in rats with and without obstructive jaundice (OJ). The activity of the reticuloendothelial system (RES) was also measured.ResultsSerum cytokine levels in OJ rats were higher than in control rats. PEC cultures produced significantly more IL-6, compared with control rats, declining thereafter. TNF-α activity in the splenocyte cultures of OJ rats was also higher than in the control group. Pronounced differences were found in the ability to produce TNF-α by PEC, i.e., TNF-α production was much stronger on day 7 in OJ rats than in controls. On day 14 TNF-α production was much lower and the spontaneous response was equal to the LPS-induced one. On day 21 the cells of OJ rats partially regained the ability to produce TNF-α RES activity of OJ rats was significantly suppressed in the liver and spleen, whereas the phagocytic activity in the lungs was elevated.ConclusionWe have demonstrated that the immune reactivity of OJ rats, intially elevated, underwent subsequent depression. The study also revealed a major effect of the operation alone on the studied parameters.