Cell Biochemistry and Function (2004) 22:1-6
Kupffer cell-derived prostaglandin E2 is involved in regulation of
lipid synthesis in rat liver tissue
Audrey M. Neyrinck, Sabrina Margagliotti, Cristina Gomez, Nathalie M.
Delzenne
Unité de Pharmacocinétique, Métabolisme, Nutrition
et Toxicologie, Département des Sciences Pharmaceutiques,
Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
email: Nathalie M. Delzenne (delzenne@pmnt.ucl.ac.be)
Abstract
Our recent studies suggest that Kupffer cells play a role in the
physiological regulation of lipid metabolism of the adjacent
hepatocytes. In the present study, we have tested the hypothesis that
inhibition of Kupffer cells decreases prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) release
inside liver tissue, a phenomenon contributing to lipid accumulation in
hepatocytes. PGE2 secretion as well as lipid synthesis were assessed in
precision-cut liver slices (PCLS) from rats previously treated with
Kupffer cell inhibitors (GdCl3 10 mg kg-1 body wt, i.v. injection and
glycine 5% in diet). In addition, lipid synthesis was assessed in
primary rat hepatocytes cultured in the absence or presence of PGE2
(0.01, 1 and 10 M). Inhibition of Kupffer cell activity by GdCl3
decreases PGE2 secretion by PCLS and resulted in a higher lipid
synthesis. Since incubation with PGE2 over 48 h decreases lipid
synthesis from acetate in cultured hepatocytes, we propose that the
lower PGE2 secretion linked to Kupffer cell inhibition, partly explains
a higher rate of synthesis of lipids with a subsequent accumulation in
liver tissue, as previously shown in fasted rats. Copyright © 2004
John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.