Inhibition of concanavalin A-induced acute T cell dependent hepatic damage in mice by hypothyroidism

Haim Shirin*, Iris Dotan, Moshe Papa, Yoram Maaravi, Husein Aeed, Lillian Zaidel, Zipora Matas, Rafael Bruck, Steven F. Moss, Zamir Halpern, Ran Oren

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Aims/Background: Concanavalin A (Con A) activates T lymphocytes and causes acute T-cell-mediated hepatic injury in mice. Decreased thyroid hormonal production is associated with a variety of immunological manifestations, including inactivation of macrophages with reduced TNF production and reduced soluble IL-2 receptors in the serum. We have recently shown that hypothyroidism prevents the development of cirrhosis and also minimizes hepatic damage in rats with fulminant hepatic failure. In the present study we examined the effects of hypothyroidism on a mouse model of Con A induced T cell-mediated acute hepatitis. Methods: Hypothyroidism was induced both medically (MMI, PTU) and surgically. Eight groups of 10 mice each were studied: euthyroid controls (2 groups: water, Con A) and hypothyroid (6 groups: MMI, PTU, Surgical, MMI-Con A, PTU-Con A, Surgical-Con A). Results: Hepatic inflammation was significantly decreased in each of the Con A treated hypothyroid groups of mice. The serum transaminases, TNF-α and IL-6 levels were significantly elevated in the Con A treated group while near normal levels were found in the hypothyroid Con A treated groups (mean ± SE AST: 1499 ± 18 vs 78 ± 10 IU/l, p < 0.001; TNF: 2500 ± 250 vs 135 ± 15 pg/ml, p < 0.001, IL-6: 12,200 ± 300 vs 1260 ± 140 pg/ml, p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusions: Hypothyroidism, independent of the mode of induction, can effectively inhibit the development of acute T cell-mediated liver damage in mice. These results suggest that some decrease in thyroid function might have a role in the prevention of immune mediated liver diseases.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)206-211
Number of pages6
JournalLiver
Volume19
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 1999
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Acute hepatitis
  • Concanavalin-A
  • Hypothyroidism

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