Protective effects of (2E)-3-[5-(2,3-dimethoxy-6-methyl-1,4- benzoquinoyl)]-2-nonyl-2-propenoic acid on endotoxin-mediated hepatitis in mice

E3330 [(2E)-3-[5-(2,3-dimethoxy-6-methyl-1,4-benzoquinoyl)]-2-nonyl-2- propenoic acid] is a newly synthesized hepatoprotective quinone derivative. We examined the protective effects and possible mechanism of action of E3330 in three different endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide)-induced murine hepatitis models, in which tumor necrosis factor is suggested to play a critical role in the pathogenesis. One of these models was induced by i.v. injection of lipopolysaccharide in combination with D-galactosamine to mice. Oral pretreatment with E3330 improved the survival rate and attenuated the increase in plasma aminotransferase activities of the survivors. The other two models were induced by i.v. injection of lipopolysaccharide or a mixture of D-galactosamine and lipopolysaccharide in Propionibacterium acnes-primed mice. In both of these models, tumor necrosis factor was detected in the plasma within 3 hr of the injection. Oral pretreatment with E3330 attenuated the elevation of plasma tumor necrosis factor activity and protected mice from liver injury. Furthermore, E3330 inhibited the production of tumor necrosis factor from cultured Propionibacterium acnes-elicited murine peritoneal macrophages on stimulation with lipopolysaccharide in vitro. These findings suggest that the inhibition by E3330 of tumor necrosis factor production is the major mechanism of the protective effect of E3330 in these endotoxin-mediated hepatitis models in mice.

Inherited copper toxicity in Long-Evans cinnamon rats exhibiting spontaneous hepatitis: a model of Wilson's disease

The copper concentrations in organs of developing Long-Evans Cinnamon (LEC) rats (2 d to 13 mo) were measured to elucidate the pathogenesis of their hereditary hepatitis. Hepatic copper contents of LEC rats were significantly higher than those of control rats (26 to 92 times higher). The subcellular distribution of hepatic copper indicated that the nuclear and large granular fractions had been saturated and the cytosol fraction contained about 70% of all the hepatic copper in LEC rats. The serum concentrations of copper and ceruloplasmin were significantly lower than those of control rats from the 4th wk (10-12% and 5-19%, respectively). Copper contents in kidney of LEC rats did not exhibit an increase over those of control rats until 12 wk, but then increased to nearly 40 times higher during fulminant hepatic failure. Accumulation of copper was not detected in the brain or small intestines of LEC rats until 13 mo. The hepatic copper concentration, its subcellular distribution, and serum copper concentration of F1 rats (LEC x Long-Evans Agouti) exhibited the same levels as those of Long-Evans Agouti rats. In addition to their similarity concerning inheritance of autosomal recessive means and clinical course, we found causality relating copper accumulation to the pathogenesis of the disease. We propose that LEC rats will be the most promising animal model for the study of Wilson's disease.

[Abnormal hepatic copper accumulation and its significance in LEC rats developing spontaneous hepatitis and hepatoma]

The LEC rat is a mutant inbred strain isolated from Long-Evans rats, which spontaneously develops hepatitis and hepatoma with high frequency. In this study, copper profiles of LEC rats, including copper concentration in the liver and concentrations of copper and ceruloplasmin in the serum, were investigated. It was found that copper accumulated in the liver of LEC rats immediately prior to the onset of hepatitis with a concentration of more than 50 times that of normal LEA rats, and serum concentrations of copper and ceruloplasmin decreased markedly, which resembled biochemically characteristic features of human Wilson's disease. Administration of d-penicillamine (100 mg/Kg/day p. o), a chelating agent, reduced the hepatic copper level and completely inhibited the development of hepatitis in LEC rats. Copper also accumulated in both cancerous and non-cancerous liver tissues of three 29-month old male LEC rats which had spontaneously developed hepatocellular carcinomas. These findings suggest that the hepatitis in LEC rats is caused by copper toxicity, and that the abnormal copper metabolism may be involved in hepatic carcinogenesis in the LEC rats. Therefore, it is considered that the LEC rat will provide a promising animal model for not only elucidating the pathogenesis of Wilson's disease and developing treatment strategies of the disease, but also for studying the role of copper in hepatic carcinogenesis.

Enhancing effect of a choline-deficient diet on alterations of hepatic drug-metabolizing enzymes in hepatitis- and hepatoma-predisposed rats (LEC rats)

Marked alterations of hepatic drug-metabolizing enzymes were observed in hepatitis- and hepatoma-predisposed rats (LEC rats) fed a choline-deficient diet. The diet enhanced the development of hepatitis with severe jaundice. The levels of two major classes of cytochrome P-450, P-450PB and P-450MC, were markedly decreased. GST-Yp was dramatically increased, whereas GST-Ya, Yb1 and Yb2 were decreased. LEA rats (the control rats to LEC) fed a choline-deficient diet mimicked LEC rats fed a normal diet in terms of the above enzyme alterations, indicating that hypomethylation is involved in the pathogenesis of hepatitis and hepatoma in LEC rats. Such hypomethylation may initiate the hepatocytes that spontaneously develop hepatitis and hepatoma.

[Induction of granulomatous liver inflammation by noninfectious particles]

A single intravenous injection of 0.1 mg/g of zymosan led to the formation of granuloma-type clusters of mononuclears in the liver of CBA mice or (CBA X C57B1)F1 hybrid mice. The area occupied by the granulomas grows for 3 to 9 days and then gradually diminishes so that the granulomas disappear practically in one month. Hydrocortisone injected in a dose of 125 mg/kg 2 and 24 hours before or 2 and 24 hours after zymosan inhibited the initiation of granulomas but, at the same time, led to their slower involution. Mice with zymosan-induced granulomas became hypersensitive to the derivate of an endotoxin--prodigiosin, a polysaccharide obtained from S. marcescens. After intravenous infusion of a preparation of corpuscular alkaline phosphatase (CAP) granuloma-like structures also appear in the liver of rats. In distinction from zymosan-induced granulomas they persist for a much longer time (up to 27 weeks). The first signs of CAP-induced granulomas appear in 3 days. The liver per cent by volume occupied by the granulomas gradually doubles by the 15th week and then reduces. At the same time, the number of granulomas per 1 mm3 of hepatic tissue remains practically constant for 3 to 21 weeks from the moment of the induction by CAP. Their average size grows slowly and reaches maximum by the 15th week, with significant variations. Desmine and reticular fibres accumulate in the granulomas, which is evidence of active involvement of hepatic fat-accumulating cells in their formation. The results show that resident macrophages are the triggers of granulomatous inflammation of the liver.

[Effects of ovariectomy on the composition of fatty acids of phospholipids in Java macaques with cholestasis]

Bilateral ovariectomy carried out in Java macaques with simultaneous dosed ligation of common bile duct distally to duodenum in order to induce acalculous hepato-cholecystitis, does not alter the lithogenic index of the bile. Phospholipids present in enterohepatic organs and tissues (hepatocytes, enterocytes, chyme, blood and bile) of gonadectomized animals with hepato-cholecystitis acquire a specific fatty acid pattern which is characterized by prevailing palmitic, stearic and oleic acids, unaffected level of arachidonic acid and traces of essential linoleic acid.

Fibrosing cholehepatitis in broiler chickens induced by bile duct ligations or inoculation of Clostridium perfringens

The pathogenesis of fibrosing hepatitis causing condemnations in broiler chickens was investigated. Three to four week old broilers were inoculated via the hepatoenteric bile duct with saline washed suspensions of Clostridium perfringens (10(7) and 10(8) organisms). In another group of broilers, both bile ducts were ligated. The sequential development of liver and gall bladder lesions was studied at intervals ranging from 1-28 days postsurgery. The lesions were similar in both experiments in that the liver became mottled and swollen by five to seven days. Fibrinoid necrosis, heterophil and lymphocyte infiltration, bile duct hyperplasia and fibrosis with reticulin fiber proliferation occurred. By 14-17 days, the liver was enlarged, tan colored and firm with red and white foci. By 28 days, bile duct proliferation and fibrosis were massive with only a few hepatocytes remaining. The liver capsule was not involved. Jaundice was not present but the birds with ligated bile ducts excreted intensely yellow stained droppings after six to seven days. The gall bladder in inoculated birds was edematous and distended with flocculent or inspissated material. Clostridium perfringens was reisolated from gall bladder and/or liver of inoculated birds up to 28 days postsurgery. It is suggested that this organism plays a role in the pathogenesis of fibrosing cholehepatitis by inducing septic intrahepatic cholestasis.

Hepatic inflammation in rats with experimental small intestinal bacterial overgrowth

Hepatobiliary inflammation and other extraintestinal manifestations accompany certain intestinal disorders, perhaps because of proliferation or enhanced transport of luminal bacteria or their phlogistic cell-wall components. Using jejunal self-filling blind loops to create small bowel bacterial overgrowth, we compared biochemical and histological evidence of hepatic inflammation in 3 rat strains chosen for their variable inflammatory responses to bacterial cell wall polymers. Lewis and Wistar rats developed weight loss, hepatomegaly, and hepatic inflammation 4 and 12 wk, respectively, after creation of SFBL. Plasma aspartate aminotransferase levels in Lewis rats 4 wk (578 +/- 77 U/L) and Wistar rats 12 wk (220 +/- 35 U/L) after self-filling blind loops were significantly greater than in rats with self-emptying blind loops (112 +/- 24 U/L, p less than 0.001; 104 +/- 22, p less than 0.05) or sham-operated Lewis (84 +/- 24, p less than 0.001) or Wistar (78 +/- 10, p less than 0.001) rats. Randomized comparison using a histology grading score showed abnormalities that paralleled aminotransferase values. Lewis and Wistar rats with self-filling blind loops had hepatic injury with bile duct proliferation, fibrosis and acute and chronic periportal and focal parenchymal inflammation. Lewis and Wistar rats with self-emptying blind loops developed occasional mild histologic lesions. 50% of Lewis rats with self-filling blind loops for 4 wk died compared with only 15% in other groups. However, Buffalo rats with self-filling blind loops developed no weight loss, hepatomegaly, or hepatic injury. Anaerobic cultures of blood, peritoneum and liver were negative in all strains. Diet-restricted, sham-operated Wistar rats with weights similar to the Wistar rats with self-filling blind loops did not develop histologic abnormalities or elevated aminotransferase levels (76 +/- 31 U/L). These results show that experimental small bowel bacterial overgrowth causes significant hepatic inflammation leading to fibrosis in susceptible rat strains. Caloric deprivation and hepatic bacterial invasion are not etiologically responsible. We suggest that bacterial cell wall polymers or other bacterial toxins from the blind loop cause hepatic lesions in genetically susceptible hosts.

Canine hepatic vein branches associated with subendothelial mast cells and an adventitial lymphatic plexus

Branches of the hepatic veins in the dog are equipped with peculiar, periodically arranged sphincter muscles which are known to constrict in response to hematogenous shock agents, causing the severe hepatic congestion characteristic of this species. As was confirmed in this study, the sphincters are more strongly and effectively disposed in the peripheral portion of the veins, including the sublobular and central veins. Mast cells were numerous around the sublobular branches, being specifically gathered beneath the endothelium as recorded by Fujita (1964). The present observation light-microscopically extended his findings, particularly with regard to the distribution of the mast cells along the entire course of the hepatic vein branches--from the proximal trunks through the sublobular veins to the central veins. In addition, mast cell condensation was especially pronounced in the peripheral branches, apparently in accordance with the development of the sphincters. Electron microscope observation confirmed the subendothelial location of the mast cells and revealed that, through an endothelial gap, the cells may extend a microprocess into the venous lumen, thus enabling the direct detection of hematogenous agents. A suspension of a bacterium, Listeria monocytogenes, was injected into the dog livers to induce hepatitis, and the resulting pathologically altered parts of the organ were examined light-microscopically. A heavy infiltration of inflammatory cells was found around the peripheral branches of the hepatic veins. The lymphatics accompanying the veins often contained lymphocytes and macrophages at two days after the injection. At five days, the lymphatics were extremely distended and twisted. The subendothelial mast cells were not encountered at the sites of severe cell infiltration.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Effect of antihepatotoxic tea on the course of drug-induced hepatitis]

Pharmacotherapeutic efficacy of antihepatoxic tea was studied on an experimental model of tetracycline-induced hepatitis. It was concluded that the tea had a marked pharmacotherapeutic effect on the process of tetracycline-induced hepatitis in animals. It lowered the level of the cytolytic syndrome, prevented the progress of cholestasis and stimulated the bile secretory function of the liver. The favourable effect of the plant antihepatotoxic preparation was due to the presence of a complex of its biologically active substances.

[Combined immunodeficiency in LEC (Long Evans Cinnamon) rats with spontaneous hepatitis]

We investigated LEC rats immunopathologically which spontaneously developed hepatitis to find out the genesis, in comparison with non-hepatitis LEA (Long Evans Agouti) rats. 1) Wet weights of the spleen and thymus of 6-week old LEC rats were significantly lighter than those of LEA rats of the same age. 2) Serum IgG (Immunoglobulin G) in LEC rats remained markedly low after the age of two months and IgG antibody formation to SRBC (Sheep Red Blood Cell) as detected by plaque assay was also significantly suppressed. On the other hand, IgM antibody formation to SRBC was significantly suppressed through serum IgM level in LEC rats was normal or rather increased. 3) Blastogenic responses of spleen cells to PHA and Con A were much more suppressed in LEC rats than in LEA rats. 4) Cytostatic activity of intraperitoneal macrophages against tumor cells was more evident in LEC rats than in LEA rats, but there was no difference in NK (natural killer) activity between the two rat strains. From these results, it is speculated that spontaneously hepatitis-developing LEC rats possess T and B cell deficiency (combined immunodeficiency) and that the increase of macrophage and NK cell activities are linked to the genesis of developing hepatitis.

[Pathogenesis of spontaneous hepatitis in an inbred strain of LEC (Long Evans cinnamon) rats]

We have reported an inbred strain LEC rats with high frequency of spontaneous hepatitis. In this paper, we study a possible involvement of hepatitis virus, hereditary background, and correlation between serum IgG level and onset of hepatitis in LEC rats. Neither electron microscopy nor indirect immunofluorescent test could detect hepatitis virus article or antigen. Furthermore, we could not succeed in inducing hepatitis of LEA and WKA/H rats by injecting the serum, plasma and liver homogenates of the affected IEC rats, nor in promoting/developing hepatitis of LEC and LEA rats under the immunosuppressed condition by administration of steroid hormone. When we made a mating between LEC and non-hepatitis rats to investigate the hereditary mode, F1s had no hepatitis, but F2s and backcrosses developed hepatitis. We observed, in particular, the lower the serum IgG level was, the higher the rate of developing hepatitis was. From these results, we speculate that the involvement of hepatitis virus is not likely, but that a genetic mutation might cause low level of IgG and be also correlated with development of hepatitis.

Accumulation of abnormally high ploid nuclei in the liver of LEC rats developing spontaneous hepatitis

Enlarged hepatocytes with huge nuclei were found in LEC rats with hereditary hepatitis. Flow cytometric analysis of the DNA content of nuclei from jaundiced LEC rats revealed the presence of very high polyploids, such as 32n and 64n. At the age of 12 weeks, before the onset of hepatitis, 8n polyploid nuclei were more frequent in LEC rats than in LEA rats, a sibling line of LEC rats. Binucleated hepatocytes were also more frequent in LEC rats than in LEA rats at week 4. Bi-, tri- and tetra-nucleated cells whose nuclei were sometimes different in size were observed when jaundice became manifest. The number of proliferating liver cells, determined by pulse labeling with 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU), was higher in LEC rats than in LEA rats at 2, 4, 8, 12 and 14 weeks, with a maximum at week 4. A remarkable increase of BrdU uptake was observed at week 16, when jaundice developed. The possible involvement of abnormal cytokinesis and kariokinesis in the manifestation of hepatitis was suggested.

Enterohepatitis in Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) inoculated perorally with Tyzzer's organism (Bacillus piliformis)

Enterohepatitis was produced in Mongolian gerbils by intragastric inoculation with Tyzzer's organism from natural infection of a gerbil. Death occurred in 50 to 60% animals 5 to 7 days postinoculation (p.i.). On day 3 p.i., when a few necrotic foci appeared in the liver, a large amount of bacterial antigen was present within ileocecal enterocytes and reticuloendothelial cells of the Peyer's patches. Neutrophil and monocyte infiltration was found in the lamina propria. On day 5 or 6 p.i. there was severe necrotizing and hemorrhagic ileotyphlocolitis. Bacterial antigen was abundant within not only enterocytes, but also smooth muscle cells of the ileum and jejunum as well as reticular cells of the mesenteric lymph nodes. On day 7 p.i. the intestinal lesions subsided in the presence of fewer bacteria, while necrotizing hepatitis became well developed. The results indicated that Mongolian gerbils were highly susceptible to the oral route of infection with the Tyzzer's organism.

Bacillus piliformis infection in an adult dog

Bacillus piliformis infection (Tyzzer's disease) was diagnosed in a 7-year-old spayed dog that had icterus, hepatosplenomegaly, and polyuria. Hematology revealed regenerative anemia, leukocytosis, lymphopenia, and thrombocytopenia. Serum chemical analyses indicated hypocalcemia, high alkaline phosphatase activity, hypoalbuminemia, and hyperglobulinemia. At necropsy, the liver was stippled with gray-white focal lesions. Microscopically, the liver lesions were necrotic and inflammatory. Warthin-Starry-stained sections revealed rod-shaped bacteria in crisscrossing patterns characteristic of B piliformis. This dog was considerably older than dogs previously reported to have Tyzzer's disease and had a concurrent systemic hyphomycosis, suggesting it had been immunocompromised.

Lesions in sheep inoculated with Sarcocystis tenella sporocysts from canine feces

Sarcocystosis was studied in 37 sheep after oral inoculation with 10(4)-5 x 10(7) sporocysts of Sarcocystis tenella from canine feces. Two sheep inoculated with 2.5 x 10(7) and 5 x 10(7) sporocysts became moribund 16 and 19 days post-inoculation (DPI), respectively, due to occlusion of arteries of gut and mesentery by first generation meronts. Sheep inoculated with 10(7) sporocysts remained clinically normal until 21 DPI and those inoculated with 10(5)-10(6) became ill 24-28 DPI due to anemia coincident with maturation of second generation meronts. Inflammation, hepatitis and myocarditis were the main lesions of acute and subacute ovine sarcocystosis. Inflammation began to subside by the time (75 DPI) sarcocysts matured. Sarcocystis-induced encephalitis was distinguished from naturally occurring myelomalacia in sheep caused by an unidentified sporozoan.

Interstitial pneumonitis and hepatitis after transfer of bone marrow cells bearing the lpr gene to irradiated recipients: a disease due to large granular leucocytes?

Mice bearing the 'auto-immune' lpr gene develop a lympho-proliferative disease associated with the production of various antibodies. Lethally irradiated recipients were grafted with bone marrow cells (BMC) from syngeneic mice with or without the lpr gene. After 6 months, the survivors were 0/24 and 16/20 for the recipients of lpr and normal BMC respectively. The mortality rate was independent of the presence of T lymphocytes among the BMC. Histological evaluation showed that hepatitis, interstitial pneumonitis, and sclerosis of lymphohaemopoietic organs were the major causes of death for the recipients of lpr BMC. Hepatitis was associated with an increase in the number of liver interstitial cells (LIC) from about 2 X 10(6) up to about 10(7) cells per liver. The LIC associated with the hepatitis were composed of polymorphonuclear leucocytes and large mononuclear leucocytes, showing phenotypic (i.e. Thy.1+, asialo GM1, presence of cytoplasmic granules) and functional (i.e. non-phagocytic and cytolytic) properties of NK cells. The disease can be distinguished both from the spontaneous disease of the lpr mice (by the absence of 'lpr cells' and of anti-DNA antibodies) and from graft versus host disease by the absence of cutaneous and intestinal lesions. It may represent a model of tissue injury mediated by large granular leucocytes.

Pharmacokinetics and toxicity of intraperitoneal cisplatin combined with regional hyperthermia

Hyperthermia (HT) potentiates in vitro cytotoxicity of cisplatin, providing a rationale for HT enhancement of cisplatin effect in vivo. In this study, regional abdominal HT was combined with intraperitoneal (IP) cisplatin in canines to characterize temperature distributions, as well as pharmacokinetics and toxicity of IP cisplatin with and without HT. Cisplatin (65 mg/m2) in normal saline was administered IP with a two-hour dwell time in ten Beagle dogs. Five of the ten dogs were randomly selected to receive concurrent regional microwave-producing HT at approximately 41.5 degrees C (IP) for a 60-minute period. Systemic temperatures in heated animals ranged from 37 degrees C to 40 degrees C; IP temperatures ranged from 39 degrees C to 44 degrees C. Initial IP temperatures ranged from 39 degrees C to 44 degrees C. Initial IP cisplatin concentrations were ten to 22 times greater than serum levels; the IP drug half-lives were 133 +/- 9 minutes and 68 +/- 15 minutes in heated and unheated dogs, respectively (P less than .001). Total concentrations of serum and urine cisplatin did not differ between the heated and unheated controls. The area under the concentration v time curve for free, ultrafilterable cisplatin in serum in units of percent minutes was 40 +/- 8 in heated and 60 +/- 7 in unheated controls (P = .006). Except for transient nausea and vomiting, no evidence of serious toxicity was observed in serum chemistries or histopathologic sections at 21 days post-treatment. Experiments involving in vitro incubation of cisplatin in normal saline were performed as a function of saline temperature; these showed that the amount of reactive cisplatin metabolites formed increased linearly with temperature by approximately 30% from 38 degrees C to 44 degrees C. This study supports the hypothesis that, with IP temperature elevation, there is an increased rate of generation and retention of reactive metabolites of cisplatin in the peritoneal cavity relative to unheated controls. In spite of these differences in pharmacokinetics, no significant toxicity was encountered. This study provides a model for treatment of IP malignancy such as ovarian carcinoma with IP cisplatin and regional HT.

Hepatitis in vervet monkeys caused by Fusarium moniliforme

The fungus Fusarium moniliforme Sheldon is a common contaminant of maize (Zea mays L.) intended for human and animal consumption throughout the world. Culture material of F. moniliforme MRC 826, isolated from home-grown maize in an area in Transkei, southern Africa, with a high rate of human oesophageal cancer, was highly toxic to vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus pygerythrus). Ten monkeys were fed a standard primate diet which contained various amounts of culture material for 180 days. Two control monkeys received the standard diet without culture material. Pathological changes observed in liver biopsies taken by laparotomy were characterized by focal disturbance of the trabecular structure, degeneration and necrosis of hepatocytes, mononuclear infiltration, and in severe cases by cirrhosis. Biochemical changes, particularly increases in liver enzyme activities in serum, paralleled the liver damage seen by light microscopy. The acute, subacute and chronic toxic hepatitis induced in various degrees in all the monkeys fed fungal culture material showed close similarity with human viral hepatitis. The lesions also have some similarities to those induced in primates by aflatoxin, but differ in several respects. Ultrastructural nuclear and nucleolar changes caused by F. moniliforme, i.e. marginal clumping of chromatin and large nucleoli with segregation of fibrillar and granular components, suggested some similarity with the changes reported to be caused by aflatoxin and some other hepatocarcinogens. A long-term feeding experiment in vervet monkeys with F. moniliforme MRC 826 and attempts to isolate and chemically characterise the hepatotoxic metabolite(s) produced by this fungus are being continued.

Studies on the pathogenesis of murine experimental autoimmune active hepatitis: sensitized T cell involvement in its induction

Experimental autoimmune hepatitis was induced in B10.A(5R) mice sensitized by repeated intramuscular injections of syngeneic liver antigens emulsified with complete Freund's adjuvant. A 300R X-irradiation followed by two more injections after the sixth intramuscular sensitization to the mice resulted in active hepatitis with severe piecemeal necrosis. An intravenous adoptive transfer of spleen cells from the sensitized mice into normal syngeneic mice caused hepatitis in recipients which was characterized by extensive focal hepatic cell necrosis in the lobules. The transfer of spleen cells treated with monoclonal anti-Thy-1.2 antibody plus complement failed to induce hepatitis, while the transfer of T cell-enriched spleen cells by the panning method using rabbit anti-mouse immunoglobulin-coated dishes caused a somewhat more severe hepatitis than that caused by the transfer of whole spleen cells of the sensitized mice.