Expression of urotensin II and its receptor in human liver cirrhosis and fulminant hepatic failure

OBJECTIVES

Urotensin II [U-II] plasma levels are increased in liver cirrhosis [LC] and are discussed as an important mediator of portal hypertension since the U-II antagonist palosuran has beneficial effects on portal hypertension by increasing splanchnic resistance. Nevertheless, no data are available on the intrahepatic expression of U-II and its receptor [UT] in humans.

METHODS

U-II and UT expression were analyzed in the livers of patients with LC, fulminant hepatic failure [FHF], and normal controls [NC] using immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Both U-II and UT were expressed in the liver on endothelial cells from arteries, veins, and bile ducts as well as on Kupffer cells. In LC, the total number of U-II-expressing cells was 20% lower compared to NC (P < 0.001), while expression of UT did not differ between LC and NC. In contrast, significant enhanced number of U-II and UT positive cells were found in FHF compared to LC and NC (P < 0.001). U-II and UT expression was also found in portal veins, without differences between LC and NC.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data demonstrate that U-II and UT are not elevated in human cirrhotic livers but are in livers of patients with FHF.