Kupffer cell blockade improves liver microcirculation in endotoxemia following experimental bile duct ligation

Introduction: Previously we demonstrated that attenuation of Kupffer cell (KC) function with gadolinium chloride (GdCl3) decreases endotoxin-induced morbidity in experimental bile duct ligation (BDL). Endotoxemia causes inflammatory reaction in the liver, and KC inhibition reduces neutrophil activation in this condition. Herein we compared the microcirculatory consequences of BDL with or without acute endotoxemia, and examined the effects of GdCl3 in these disorders. Methods: The liver microcirculation was visualized using fluorescence intravital videomicroscopy (IVM). Capillary perfusion rate, neutrophil-endoth…