Kupffer Cells Suppress Hepatocarcinogenesis and Metastasis in Tumor Orthotopic Implanted Kunming Mice

Abstract

In this research, we used GdCl3 (gadolinium chloride) to restrain the function of Kupffer cells and assessedeffects on hepatocarcinogenesis and metastasis in the Kunming mouse. A 0.25% GdCl3 solution (10 mg/kg b.w.)was infused via the vena caudalis of each mouse 1 week before inoculation of H22 cells and was continuedonce per three days. Then we observed the follow indexes 3 weeks after injection of H22 cells: tumor weight,histologic characteristics of tumor tissue by light microscopy, ultramicrostructure of Kupffer cells under theelectron microscope, distribution and number of Kupffer cells by histochemical staining, and TNF-α andIFN-γ levels in blood-serum and liver tissue by ELISA and RT-PCR. MMP-2 protein expression was testedby immunohistochemistry. The GdCl3 pretreatment had no effect on the quantity of Kupffer cells, but clearlyrestrained their functions, with decrease of TNF-α and IFN-γ levels and elevation of MMP2. Tumor immunityfunctions were markedly suppressed and tumor growth was accelerated with appearance of metastasis.Furthermore, survival time of trial mice was shortened.