Publication
Title
Systemic release of interleukin-10 during orthotopic liver-transplantation
Author
Abstract
Experimental and clinical observations indicate that the liver allograft is less immunogenic than other organ transplants and can promote immune tolerance. Because interleukin-10 recently emerged as a macro phage and T-cell-derived cytokine with potent immunosuppressive properties, we studied its production in 28 patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation. Plasma levels of immunoreactive interleukin-10 dramatically increased within 2 hr after liver allograft reperfusion, with peak levels ranging between 214 and 4998 pg/ml (median = 677 pg/ml). This systemic release of interleukin-10 was transient because it returned to low levels by 48 hr (range = 26 to 51 pg/ml). The higher interleukin-10 levels measured in right atrial blood as compared with portal blood indicated that interleukin-10 was most likely synthesized within the liver graft. To get insight into the cellular origin of interleukin-10, we also measured serum levels of interleukin-4 and interferon-gamma, both produced by T cells, and interleukin-8, a cytokine secreted by macrophages, in eight patients. Interleukin-4 and interferon-gamma levels remained undetectable in most of the patients, whereas interleukin-8 levels paralleled those of interleukin-10. Portal endotoxemia was probably not involved in interleukin-10 production because endotoxin levels remained low (<20 pg/ml) before and after liver allograft reperfusion. Interleukin-10 plasma levels did not correlate either with cold ischemia time or with the occurrence of rejection episodes. We conclude that orthotopic liver transplantation is associated with a massive release of interleukin-10 and interleukin-8, most likely produced by allograft macrophages.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Hepatology / American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. - Baltimore, Md
Publication
Baltimore, Md : 1994
ISSN
0270-9139
Volume/pages
20 :41 (1994) , p. 889-892
ISI
A1994PJ59200016
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Project info
Publication type
Subject
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 06.01.2015
Last edited 22.02.2023
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