Increased Glucose Uptake and Superoxide Anion Production after Priming or Activation of Hepatic Phagocytes: A Potential Source of Liver Damage

Abstract

Although the cellular heterogeneity of the liver has been recognized for many years, the potential physiologic and pathophysiologic importance of the various sinusoidal cells has only been appreciated during the last several years (Brouwer, et al, 1988; Anthony and Summerfield, 1988). It is now known that the nonparenchymal cells of the liver perform a variety of important functions that are interrelated with one another and with the normal functioning of the hepatocytes. Due to an improved understanding of the influence of infection and inflammatory conditions on the reticuloendothelial elements, interest is now focused on the functional activities of the Kupffer and hepatic endothelial cells, and their role in immunomodulation. Furthermore, details of the intercellular communication among the various types of liver cells have also attracted much attention (Kuiper et al, 1988). Similarly, information concerning the phagocytosis of microorganisms and bactericidal action of mononuclear phagocytes, as well as the adhesion of neutrophils to the endothelial surface and their subsequent sequestration in various tissues, have also expanded (Harlan, 1985).