Modulation of hepatocyte protein synthesis during co-cultivation with macrophage-rich peritoneal cells in vitro
G. A. Keller, M. A. West, J. T. Harty, F. B. Cerra and R. L. Simmons
The etiology of hepatic failure associated with the multiple-system organ
failure syndrome is poorly understood. Because of indirect evidence
suggesting that macrophages or Kupffer's cells may play a role in this
phenomenon, macrophage-rich peritoneal cells were co-cultured with isolated
rat hepatocytes. Following co-culture, the rate of hepatocyte protein
synthesis, quantitated by counts per minute of tritiated leucine
incorporated into protein, was significantly diminished. This modulation of
hepatocyte function was not enhanced by prestimulation of macrophage-rich
peritoneal cells in vivo by casein, thioglycolate, or Corynebacterium
parvum. Addition of the macrophage secretory product lysozyme did not alter
hepatocyte protein synthesis. This cell-mediated effect on hepatocytes
could not be recreated by a macrophage-rich peritoneal cells supernatant
transfer. These results support the idea that cells of macrophage lineage
could mediate changes in hepatocyte function that may, in turn, play a role
in the etiology of hepatic malfunction associated with the multiple-system
organ failure syndrome.