Role of Kupffer Cells in Alteration of Vasoregulatory Gene Expression in Hepatic Ischemia/Reperfusion

Failure of the hepatic microcirculation is a major component of reperfusion injury in the liver. However. the vasoactive mediators involved in the regulation of sinusoidal flow during reperfusion following hepatic ischemia remain to be identified. We investigate the role of Kupffer cells in hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (l/R)-induced imbalance of vasoregulatory gene expression. Rats were subjected to 60 min hepatic ischemia, followed by 5 h of reperfusion. (omitted)