Cytokine response of electrolytic ablation in an ex vivo perfused liver model

Abstract

Background: The inflammatory response following hepatic ablation depends on different factors including the method used, the duration and intensity of the treatment and the presence or absence of ischemia. Debate continues about the use of different modalities and whether some aspects of the response may be advantageous by releasing immunological active substances. Little data have been published concerning the cytokine response elicited by hepatic electrolytic ablation (EA). Study of an ex vivo liver model could allow for the evaluation of this response without the influence of confounding systemic factors.

Methods: Livers explanted from 11 pigs were perfused extracorporeally with normothermic autologous blood. Four of them underwent EA after 1 h of reperfusion. Serum samples were obtained up to 6 h after the reperfusion and assayed for IL-1 beta, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha.

Results: Significant changes in the control group were observed for IL-6 after the second hour and IL-8 after the first hour compared with baseline levels (P < 0.001). In the EA group, IL-6 and IL-12 were raised after the second hour and IL-8 and IL-10 after the first hour (P < 0.001). The comparison between groups showed significant differences for IL-2, IL-4 (decreased in the EA group compared with controls), IL-10 and TNF-alpha (EA group increased compared with controls; P < 0.001).

Conclusions: The ex vivo perfused liver model demonstrated changes in levels of IL-2, IL-4, IL-10 and TNF-alpha following hepatic EA.