“
“Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values assist differentiating malignancy grades in pediatric cerebellar tumors. Previous studies reported the significance of ADC measurements within the solid, contrast-enhancing tumor component (SCT). These measurements take into account only a part of the tumor. In this study, we compared ADC measurements of the SCT versus entire tumor (ET). ADC values were measured in the SCT

and ET. Absolute tumor ADC values and cerebellar and thalamic ratios were compared across tumor grades. Thirty-two children with 16 low-grade and 16 high-grade tumors were included. The median age at presurgical MRI was 7.66 years (range .08-17.38 years). In the SCT, absolute ADC values, cerebellar Selleck Trametinib ratio, PF-02341066 supplier and thalamic ratio were higher in low- versus high-grade tumors (P < .001). In the ET, absolute ADC values, cerebellar ratio, and thalamic ratio were also higher in low- versus high-grade tumors (P < .005). Cut-off absolute

ADC values of .9 × 10−3 mm/s2 (sensitivity 94%, specificity 100%) and 1.5 × 10−3 mm/s2 (sensitivity 88%, specificity 75%) were calculated for measurement in the SCT and ET, respectively, to differentiate between tumors grades. A rigorous ADC measurement of the SCT has a higher sensitivity and specificity in predicting tumor grade compared to ADC measurement of the ET. “
“Juvenile psammomatoid ossifying fibroma (JPOF) of the sphenoid sinus is a rare subtype of ossifying fibroma of the sinonasal cavity and facial bone in young adults. Computed tomographic (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging features of JPOF have been reported, but to our knowledge, positron emission tomography (PET) findings have not been described. We present a 19-year-old woman with right visual disturbance whom we diagnosed with JPOF and describe

imaging findings in her case. CT revealed a well-circumscribed fibro-osseous mass surrounding the right optic canal, with expansile, mixed soft tissue and thick bone density. MR 上海皓元 imaging showed low signal intensity in the mass on both T1- and T2-weighted images. [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]FDG) and [11C]methyl-L-methionine ([11C]Met) PET/CT showed abnormal uptake in the lesion, with standardized uptake values (SUV) of 6.2 ([18F]FDG) and 4.6 ([11C]Met). Familiarity with the imaging features of this rare disease aids its differentiation from other more familiar lesions to permit appropriately aggressive therapy and improve prognosis. “
“Traumatic intracranial aneurysms are rare lesions, accounting for less than 1% of all intracranial aneurysms. Formation of these lesions after a penetrating missile wound is very unusual, and diagnosis can be difficult due to the presence of associated lesions. In this article, we report a case of a woman who developed a middle cerebral artery aneurysm after a gunshot wound, and discuss potential pitfalls found during diagnostic work-up.

13, 14 To adjust for the transfection efficiency, 10 ng of the pRL-CMV vector (Promega) was cotransfected. Twenty-four hours later, cell lysates were prepared, and firefly and Renilla luciferase activities were quantitated with a dual-luciferase reporter assay system (Promega).

BALB/c nu/nu nude mouse xenografts were derived from SULF2-negative Hep3B vector and SULF2-positive Hep3B SULF2-5 cells.11 Immunohistochemistry was performed with an antibody against SULF2, GPC3, Wnt3a, or β-catenin.11 The primary antibody was replaced with 1% BSA/trishydroxymethylaminomethane-buffered saline for negative controls. The institutional animal care and use committee approved the protocols. Tissue sections were stained with antibodies against Ki-67 (Dako; 1:100) and caspase-3 (Cell Signaling; Selinexor 1:800) with a Dako Autostainer Plus and were counterstained with hematoxylin. Liver sections were TUNEL-stained with a peroxidase in situ cell death detection Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Library kit (Roche Diagnosis GmbH, Mannheim, Germany). The number of TUNEL-positive cells per 6 high-power fields (HPFs) was quantified. All data represent at least three independent experiments and are expressed as means and standard errors of the mean. Differences between groups were compared with an unpaired, two-tailed t test. Wnt3a is an important regulator of HCC growth.5 Desulfation of cell surface HSPGs by quail sulfatase 1 has been proposed to release sequestered Wnt ligands

bound to HSPGs at the cell surface and thus enhance the binding MCE of released Wnts to their Frizzled receptors.15 We investigated (1) the effects of SULF2 on Wnt signaling in HCC cells upon exposure to exogenous Wnt3a and (2) whether SULF2 activation of Wnt signaling is dependent on HS. Hep3B vector and Hep3B-SULF2-H cells were treated with the Wnt3a ligand (0, 2, or 10 ng/mL) for 24 hours and washed extensively. Wnt3a levels in cell lysates

were then compared by western immunoblotting. In Hep3B vector cells, there was a small increase in Wnt3a when cells were treated with 2 ng/mL Wnt3a, but there was no further increase at 10 ng/mL. In Hep3B-SULF2-H cells, the basal level of Wnt3a was higher. Treatment with 2 ng/mL Wnt3a did not increase Wnt3a; however, 10 ng/mL Wnt3a led to a substantial increase in Wnt3a, and this suggested that SULF2 increased endogenous Wnt3a levels (Fig. 1A). Moreover, the TOPFLASH luciferase reporter assay showed that Wnt3a stimulation of transiently transfected Hep3B-SULF2 cells induced significant Wnt/β-catenin pathway activity (P < 0.0002) as early as 6 hours after transfection and was sustained over 24 hours (Fig. 1B,C). Similar SULF2 enhancement of Wnt3a-induced TOPFLASH expression occurred in PLC/PRF/5 cells, which also have low SULF2 expression (P < 0.03; Supporting Fig. 1). Next, we determined whether Wnt3a binding to HCC cells is HS-dependent. Wnt3a binding was inhibited by HS in a dose-dependent manner (Fig. 2A-C).

13, 14 To adjust for the transfection efficiency, 10 ng of the pRL-CMV vector (Promega) was cotransfected. Twenty-four hours later, cell lysates were prepared, and firefly and Renilla luciferase activities were quantitated with a dual-luciferase reporter assay system (Promega).

BALB/c nu/nu nude mouse xenografts were derived from SULF2-negative Hep3B vector and SULF2-positive Hep3B SULF2-5 cells.11 Immunohistochemistry was performed with an antibody against SULF2, GPC3, Wnt3a, or β-catenin.11 The primary antibody was replaced with 1% BSA/trishydroxymethylaminomethane-buffered saline for negative controls. The institutional animal care and use committee approved the protocols. Tissue sections were stained with antibodies against Ki-67 (Dako; 1:100) and caspase-3 (Cell Signaling; Bortezomib 1:800) with a Dako Autostainer Plus and were counterstained with hematoxylin. Liver sections were TUNEL-stained with a peroxidase in situ cell death detection PD0325901 kit (Roche Diagnosis GmbH, Mannheim, Germany). The number of TUNEL-positive cells per 6 high-power fields (HPFs) was quantified. All data represent at least three independent experiments and are expressed as means and standard errors of the mean. Differences between groups were compared with an unpaired, two-tailed t test. Wnt3a is an important regulator of HCC growth.5 Desulfation of cell surface HSPGs by quail sulfatase 1 has been proposed to release sequestered Wnt ligands

bound to HSPGs at the cell surface and thus enhance the binding 上海皓元 of released Wnts to their Frizzled receptors.15 We investigated (1) the effects of SULF2 on Wnt signaling in HCC cells upon exposure to exogenous Wnt3a and (2) whether SULF2 activation of Wnt signaling is dependent on HS. Hep3B vector and Hep3B-SULF2-H cells were treated with the Wnt3a ligand (0, 2, or 10 ng/mL) for 24 hours and washed extensively. Wnt3a levels in cell lysates

were then compared by western immunoblotting. In Hep3B vector cells, there was a small increase in Wnt3a when cells were treated with 2 ng/mL Wnt3a, but there was no further increase at 10 ng/mL. In Hep3B-SULF2-H cells, the basal level of Wnt3a was higher. Treatment with 2 ng/mL Wnt3a did not increase Wnt3a; however, 10 ng/mL Wnt3a led to a substantial increase in Wnt3a, and this suggested that SULF2 increased endogenous Wnt3a levels (Fig. 1A). Moreover, the TOPFLASH luciferase reporter assay showed that Wnt3a stimulation of transiently transfected Hep3B-SULF2 cells induced significant Wnt/β-catenin pathway activity (P < 0.0002) as early as 6 hours after transfection and was sustained over 24 hours (Fig. 1B,C). Similar SULF2 enhancement of Wnt3a-induced TOPFLASH expression occurred in PLC/PRF/5 cells, which also have low SULF2 expression (P < 0.03; Supporting Fig. 1). Next, we determined whether Wnt3a binding to HCC cells is HS-dependent. Wnt3a binding was inhibited by HS in a dose-dependent manner (Fig. 2A-C).

To test this possibility, we investigated liver regeneration in fld mice, which have diminished peripheral adipose stores.22 The PD0325901 cost results showed that early hepatic fat content was reduced and liver regeneration impaired following partial hepatectomy in these animals. The increased insulin levels in fld mice 48-72 hours after partial hepatectomy is consistent with prior characterization of insulin resistance in these animals.24 Furthermore, the increased blood glucose levels 12-24 hours after surgery in fld mice, together with

our previous characterization of the hypoglycemic response to partial hepatectomy and the inhibitory effect of glucose supplementation on early hepatic fat accumulation and liver regeneration in wild-type mice,9 suggest that perturbations in systemic glucose metabolism may contribute to impaired regeneration in fld mice. Indeed, hepatic p21 expression, which is increased by dextrose supplementation,9 was also

augmented in regenerating fld mouse liver. Collectively, these data suggest a model in which the hypoglycemia that follows partial hepatectomy induces systemic lipolysis and accumulation of fat derived from peripheral stores in the early regenerating liver, and that these events provide or regulate essential signals for normal find more liver regeneration. The specific mechanisms responsible for impaired liver regeneration in lipodystrophic fld mice require further elucidation. Future analyses should address whether the requirement for systemic adipose stores during normal MCE liver regeneration is based on adipose as a source of metabolic fuel to support regeneration,38

lipid precursor for new membrane synthesis, a specific signal that initiates the regenerative response itself, or perhaps all of these. Our data showing that circulating levels of adiponectin are markedly reduced in fld mice together with published data demonstrating that adiponectin-null mice exhibit impaired liver regeneration26, 27 raise the possibility that this hormone may be such an essential adipose-derived signal. Because the gene that is mutated in fld mice, Lpin1, is also expressed in liver,22 another important consideration is that absence of hepatic Lpin1 expression might contribute to impaired regeneration in fld mice. In this regard, it is intriguing to consider that the Lpin1 gene product (lipin 1) is bifunctional in liver: It catalyzes an essential step in glycerolipid biosynthesis,39 which may be critical for synthesis of new cell membranes, and also coactivates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) activity, which is required for normal liver regeneration40, 41 and may be regulated by binding phospholipid.

5 ± 4.0 ng/mg versus vehicle 30.7 ± 4.8 ng/mg, P < 0.01). PD-0332991 manufacturer Further, we noted a consistent increase of HGF levels at

120 hours after hepatectomy in the mice receiving continuous sorafenib treatment and the mice starting sorafenib after surgery, although this was not significant. At the time of sacrifice, the abdominal scar was excised and the suture removed carefully. Although the scar margins of the control animals remained sealed, mice receiving sorafenib until harvest had more fragile scars, i.e., the margins were not sealed or separated in a zip-like fashion upon minimal traction. Histological analysis of scar tissue revealed differences in the scar of vehicle- and sorafenib-treated animals. The scars of vehicle control animals presented tissue remodeling of the muscular wall with dense granulation tissue filling the wound cleft (Fig. 6, top panel). Quantification of bridging reactions revealed no significant differences 72 hours after surgery. Alisertib mouse However, at

120 hours we observed significantly less bridges in animals that had received sorafenib treatment after surgery compared to vehicle controls (120 hours, continuous sorafenib 1.8 ± 1.1 versus vehicle 4.2 ± 1.8, P < 0.05; sorafenib postsurgery 1.8 ± 1.4 versus vehicle 4.2 ± 1.8, P < 0.01) (Fig. 7). Moreover, the scars of animals that were treated with sorafenib after surgery showed less intense tissue remodeling and granulation tissue was less dense or barely present (Fig. 6, lower panels). Our preclinical results show that sorafenib administration that is stopped 1 day before hepatic resection had no effect on liver regeneration in this study, whereas liver regeneration was impaired at the late timepoint examined (120 hours) when sorafenib was administered

postoperatively. Liver regeneration is a complex process that depends on the activation of several growth signal pathways. Sorafenib inhibits the serine/threonine kinase activity of RAF in the RAF/MEK/ERK signaling pathway and the receptor tyrosine kinase activity of the VEGF receptor-2.9 Liver regeneration studies have shown that a variety of growth factors and cytokines, acting by way of their respective receptors, activate complementary signaling pathways that elicit cellular proliferation and liver mass restoration. Among these intracellular mediator 上海皓元 is the RAS/RAF/MEK pathway, resulting in the activation of ERK1/2.12 Growth factors such as EGF, HGF, and TGFα and different cytokines (interleukin-6 [IL-6], TNF [tumor necrosis factor]) trigger ERK1/2 activation.16-18 This mitogenic cascade is inhibited by sorafenib at the level of RAF. Our analysis of phosphorylated ERK by immunohistochemistry showed decreased levels in the sorafenib-treated animals, with an important inhibition of ERK activation after hepatectomy but also diminished baseline phospho-ERK contents at the time of hepatectomy in the animals that had received sorafenib treatment prior to surgery.

5 ± 4.0 ng/mg versus vehicle 30.7 ± 4.8 ng/mg, P < 0.01). KU-57788 solubility dmso Further, we noted a consistent increase of HGF levels at

120 hours after hepatectomy in the mice receiving continuous sorafenib treatment and the mice starting sorafenib after surgery, although this was not significant. At the time of sacrifice, the abdominal scar was excised and the suture removed carefully. Although the scar margins of the control animals remained sealed, mice receiving sorafenib until harvest had more fragile scars, i.e., the margins were not sealed or separated in a zip-like fashion upon minimal traction. Histological analysis of scar tissue revealed differences in the scar of vehicle- and sorafenib-treated animals. The scars of vehicle control animals presented tissue remodeling of the muscular wall with dense granulation tissue filling the wound cleft (Fig. 6, top panel). Quantification of bridging reactions revealed no significant differences 72 hours after surgery. selleck screening library However, at

120 hours we observed significantly less bridges in animals that had received sorafenib treatment after surgery compared to vehicle controls (120 hours, continuous sorafenib 1.8 ± 1.1 versus vehicle 4.2 ± 1.8, P < 0.05; sorafenib postsurgery 1.8 ± 1.4 versus vehicle 4.2 ± 1.8, P < 0.01) (Fig. 7). Moreover, the scars of animals that were treated with sorafenib after surgery showed less intense tissue remodeling and granulation tissue was less dense or barely present (Fig. 6, lower panels). Our preclinical results show that sorafenib administration that is stopped 1 day before hepatic resection had no effect on liver regeneration in this study, whereas liver regeneration was impaired at the late timepoint examined (120 hours) when sorafenib was administered

postoperatively. Liver regeneration is a complex process that depends on the activation of several growth signal pathways. Sorafenib inhibits the serine/threonine kinase activity of RAF in the RAF/MEK/ERK signaling pathway and the receptor tyrosine kinase activity of the VEGF receptor-2.9 Liver regeneration studies have shown that a variety of growth factors and cytokines, acting by way of their respective receptors, activate complementary signaling pathways that elicit cellular proliferation and liver mass restoration. Among these intracellular mediator 上海皓元医药股份有限公司 is the RAS/RAF/MEK pathway, resulting in the activation of ERK1/2.12 Growth factors such as EGF, HGF, and TGFα and different cytokines (interleukin-6 [IL-6], TNF [tumor necrosis factor]) trigger ERK1/2 activation.16-18 This mitogenic cascade is inhibited by sorafenib at the level of RAF. Our analysis of phosphorylated ERK by immunohistochemistry showed decreased levels in the sorafenib-treated animals, with an important inhibition of ERK activation after hepatectomy but also diminished baseline phospho-ERK contents at the time of hepatectomy in the animals that had received sorafenib treatment prior to surgery.

5 ± 4.0 ng/mg versus vehicle 30.7 ± 4.8 ng/mg, P < 0.01). check details Further, we noted a consistent increase of HGF levels at

120 hours after hepatectomy in the mice receiving continuous sorafenib treatment and the mice starting sorafenib after surgery, although this was not significant. At the time of sacrifice, the abdominal scar was excised and the suture removed carefully. Although the scar margins of the control animals remained sealed, mice receiving sorafenib until harvest had more fragile scars, i.e., the margins were not sealed or separated in a zip-like fashion upon minimal traction. Histological analysis of scar tissue revealed differences in the scar of vehicle- and sorafenib-treated animals. The scars of vehicle control animals presented tissue remodeling of the muscular wall with dense granulation tissue filling the wound cleft (Fig. 6, top panel). Quantification of bridging reactions revealed no significant differences 72 hours after surgery. Vincristine nmr However, at

120 hours we observed significantly less bridges in animals that had received sorafenib treatment after surgery compared to vehicle controls (120 hours, continuous sorafenib 1.8 ± 1.1 versus vehicle 4.2 ± 1.8, P < 0.05; sorafenib postsurgery 1.8 ± 1.4 versus vehicle 4.2 ± 1.8, P < 0.01) (Fig. 7). Moreover, the scars of animals that were treated with sorafenib after surgery showed less intense tissue remodeling and granulation tissue was less dense or barely present (Fig. 6, lower panels). Our preclinical results show that sorafenib administration that is stopped 1 day before hepatic resection had no effect on liver regeneration in this study, whereas liver regeneration was impaired at the late timepoint examined (120 hours) when sorafenib was administered

postoperatively. Liver regeneration is a complex process that depends on the activation of several growth signal pathways. Sorafenib inhibits the serine/threonine kinase activity of RAF in the RAF/MEK/ERK signaling pathway and the receptor tyrosine kinase activity of the VEGF receptor-2.9 Liver regeneration studies have shown that a variety of growth factors and cytokines, acting by way of their respective receptors, activate complementary signaling pathways that elicit cellular proliferation and liver mass restoration. Among these intracellular mediator medchemexpress is the RAS/RAF/MEK pathway, resulting in the activation of ERK1/2.12 Growth factors such as EGF, HGF, and TGFα and different cytokines (interleukin-6 [IL-6], TNF [tumor necrosis factor]) trigger ERK1/2 activation.16-18 This mitogenic cascade is inhibited by sorafenib at the level of RAF. Our analysis of phosphorylated ERK by immunohistochemistry showed decreased levels in the sorafenib-treated animals, with an important inhibition of ERK activation after hepatectomy but also diminished baseline phospho-ERK contents at the time of hepatectomy in the animals that had received sorafenib treatment prior to surgery.

We have previously demonstrated that other MEK inhibitors (PD098059, U0126, PD184161)

reduce ERK phosphorylation (MEK activity) and growth in human HCC cells.27, 29 PD0325901 is much more potent than these MEK inhibitors in HCC cells in vitro based on its median inhibitory concentration, which lies in the nanomolar range. In a recent study, Raf-1 small interfering RNA buy GDC-0941 (100 nM) caused a 50% decrease in phosphorylated ERK levels that was associated with a 50% decrease in HCC growth in vitro30 (and unpublished results). Similar results were obtained with ERK1,2 olignonucleotide anti-sense (300 nM) that decreased total ERK levels with a corresponding decrease in HCC cell growth.27 The effective dose and inhibitory effects of the small interfering RNA and anti-sense are comparable to that of

PD0325901 in HepG2 and Hep3B cells in vitro. Taken together, these results suggest that PD0325901 is a MEK inhibitor with absolute specificity. To investigate the efficacy of MEK inhibition in LY294002 in vivo a more clinically relevant model, TGF-α transgenic mice from which the TAMH line was derived were employed. These animals have a human TGF-α transgene that is specifically up-regulated in HCC tumors within the liver.31 The TGF-α transgenic mice are known to develop well-differentiated HCC in 70% of animals by 15 months of age.32 Indeed, studies of rat HCC show that preneoplastic regions in the liver grow at a threefold faster rate with up-regulation of TGF-α.33 Furthermore, because most human HCC tumors have an increased medchemexpress amount of TGF-α present, the TGF-α transgenic mouse is believed to be a valid model of HCC for the current study.34, 35 Because TGF-α is a potent activator of the MEK-ERK pathway, these animals are ideal for treatment with a MEK inhibitor.26 In TGF-α transgenic mice at 30 weeks of age, we previously demonstrated an eightfold increase in P-ERK expression within HCC hepatocytes compared with normal hepatocytes. In addition, the ability of PD0325901 to decrease P-ERK within normal

hepatocytes in the treatment arm correlated with its ability to prevent HCC formation in this model.36 In the current randomized study, the incidence of carcinoma in the diethylnitrosamine accelerated transgenic model was determined. A 3.5-fold decrease in tumor incidence was seen in animals given the MEK inhibitor. We wanted to further examine the mechanism of PD0325901 and determine whether it was preventing formation, halting progression, or causing regression of established tumors in this developmental model. To achieve this, MRI confirmation of the presence of tumors was performed, and then treatment was initiated. After serial examinations, a dramatic regression in tumor volume was observed (Fig. 4). Taken together, the animals that were examined by MRI showed a difference in tumor volume approaching a threefold decrease in the MEK-inhibitor treated mice compared with the vehicle-treated mice (Fig. 5).

We have previously demonstrated that other MEK inhibitors (PD098059, U0126, PD184161)

reduce ERK phosphorylation (MEK activity) and growth in human HCC cells.27, 29 PD0325901 is much more potent than these MEK inhibitors in HCC cells in vitro based on its median inhibitory concentration, which lies in the nanomolar range. In a recent study, Raf-1 small interfering RNA selleck chemicals llc (100 nM) caused a 50% decrease in phosphorylated ERK levels that was associated with a 50% decrease in HCC growth in vitro30 (and unpublished results). Similar results were obtained with ERK1,2 olignonucleotide anti-sense (300 nM) that decreased total ERK levels with a corresponding decrease in HCC cell growth.27 The effective dose and inhibitory effects of the small interfering RNA and anti-sense are comparable to that of

PD0325901 in HepG2 and Hep3B cells in vitro. Taken together, these results suggest that PD0325901 is a MEK inhibitor with absolute specificity. To investigate the efficacy of MEK inhibition in AZD4547 purchase a more clinically relevant model, TGF-α transgenic mice from which the TAMH line was derived were employed. These animals have a human TGF-α transgene that is specifically up-regulated in HCC tumors within the liver.31 The TGF-α transgenic mice are known to develop well-differentiated HCC in 70% of animals by 15 months of age.32 Indeed, studies of rat HCC show that preneoplastic regions in the liver grow at a threefold faster rate with up-regulation of TGF-α.33 Furthermore, because most human HCC tumors have an increased MCE amount of TGF-α present, the TGF-α transgenic mouse is believed to be a valid model of HCC for the current study.34, 35 Because TGF-α is a potent activator of the MEK-ERK pathway, these animals are ideal for treatment with a MEK inhibitor.26 In TGF-α transgenic mice at 30 weeks of age, we previously demonstrated an eightfold increase in P-ERK expression within HCC hepatocytes compared with normal hepatocytes. In addition, the ability of PD0325901 to decrease P-ERK within normal

hepatocytes in the treatment arm correlated with its ability to prevent HCC formation in this model.36 In the current randomized study, the incidence of carcinoma in the diethylnitrosamine accelerated transgenic model was determined. A 3.5-fold decrease in tumor incidence was seen in animals given the MEK inhibitor. We wanted to further examine the mechanism of PD0325901 and determine whether it was preventing formation, halting progression, or causing regression of established tumors in this developmental model. To achieve this, MRI confirmation of the presence of tumors was performed, and then treatment was initiated. After serial examinations, a dramatic regression in tumor volume was observed (Fig. 4). Taken together, the animals that were examined by MRI showed a difference in tumor volume approaching a threefold decrease in the MEK-inhibitor treated mice compared with the vehicle-treated mice (Fig. 5).

e., a remarkable loss of fenestrae

[Fig. 2E,F]). These morphological changes resemble those reported by Sarphie et al.23 24 hours after LPS administration to rats. In addition, immunohistochemistry performed on sections obtained on day 7 after www.selleckchem.com/products/PD-0332991.html LPS injection showed that the LPS-primed, Aoah−/− livers contained many more large, F4/80-positive cells (KCs or recruited monocytes) than did LPS-primed, Aoah+/+ livers (Fig. 3A,B), and that many of these macrophages appeared to contain phagocytosed, CD11b-positive neutrophils (Fig. 3C,D). The morphological changes seen in the livers of LPS-treated Aoah−/− mice are thus consistent with activation of KCs (and possibly recruited monocyte-macrophages) and sinusoidal endothelial cell injury in livers that retain fully acylated LPS. We used flow cytometry to identify individual nonparenchymal cell types within the liver. As shown in Fig. 4, LPS-challenged Aoah−/− mice experienced significantly greater intrahepatic accumulation of B cells, monocyte-macrophages, neutrophils, dendritic cells, CD3+ T cells, and NK1.1+ natural killer cells than did LPS-treated Aoah+/+ mice. The hepatic content of these cell types had returned almost to baseline within GPCR Compound Library 3 weeks

after LPS exposure in Aoah−/− mice (Fig. 4), yet liver size did not decrease (Fig. S1D).6 To test the hypothesis that hepatocyte MCE公司 proliferation contributes to LPS-induced hepatomegaly,21 we used BrdU to quantitate cell division. Beginning 2 hours after intravenous LPS challenge, mice received BrdU daily until they were studied on day 7. As shown in Fig. S2, LPS-induced cell proliferation was similar in LPS-primed WT and knockout (KO) mice. Treatment with the mitogen TCPOBOP, used as a control, also induced equivalent liver cell proliferation in Aoah+/+ and Aoah−/− mice. LPS induced similar acute plasma cytokine responses in Aoah+/+ and Aoah−/− mice (Fig. 5A). Plasma levels of certain cytokines (e.g., IL-10) persisted much longer in LPS-treated Aoah−/− mice than they did in LPS-treated WT mice, whereas other

cytokine levels followed a similar time-course in the two groups (RANTES, IL-6, TNF, MCP-1). Quantitation of hepatic mRNA abundance using real-time PCR showed striking elevations in IL-10 and TNF mRNAs in Aoah−/− mice over a 7-day period after LPS injection (Fig. 5B); mRNAs for several antiinflammatory proteins (IRAK-M, SHIP, SOCS1, A-20) were also elevated in these mice 5 to 7 days after LPS injection (Fig. 5C), as were the mRNAs for IL-1β, inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS2), and CCL2 (MCP-1). Although liver TNF and IL-1β mRNA levels remained elevated for many days, we were unable to detect TNF or IL-1β protein in either liver lysates or plasma beyond 24 hours after LPS injection. Plasma MCP-1 levels were similar in Aoah−/− and Aoah+/+ mice.