Liver Histiocytes in Rejection of Tumor Cells

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The role of hepatic histiocytes in the immune rejection of tumor cells has been evaluated in the isolated perfused rodent liver. The active phagocytosis of technitium sulfide Tc 99m in vitro by the liver reticuloendothelial system demonstrated the effectiveness of this preparation. Immunization enhanced the cytotoxicity of the isolated peritoneal macrophage to xenogeneic cells. The addition of immunized serum caused a pronounced increase in this phenomenon. Progressive removal of histoincompatible cells from the perfusate was detected in both immunized and nonimmunized isolated liver preparations. No significant differences were observed between the systems, although serum was lacking, and cell-fixed antibodies or complement may be required for Kupffer's cell cytotoxicity. The isolated, perfused rodent liver appears to be useful for studying the initial phases of tumor antigen processing in an organ which maintains its structural integrity.