Induction of procalcitonin and proinflammatory cytokines in an anhepatic baboon endotoxin shock model

Our objective was to evaluate the role of the liver for procalcitonin (PCT) and cytokine induction in a baboon endotoxin shock model. Complete liver resection with portocaval anastomosis was established in a baboon prior to the induction of endotoxin shock by intravenous administration of endotoxin (100 mug/kg LPS Escherichia coli). Two baboons without surgical intervention were used as controls. Plasma concentrations of PCT, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL) 6, IL-8, endotoxin, and hemodynamic and metabolic parameters were measured pre- and postoperatively and until 6 h after endotoxin administration. PCT concentrations increased to 1.2 and 4.6 ng/mL in control animals at 6 h, but remained below 0.3 ng/mL in the anhepatic baboon. IL-6 and IL-8 increased only for few hours in controls, but remained elevated in the hepatectomized animal near their maximum (IL-6, 2-6 ng/mL) or several-fold higher (IL-8, 30-35 ng/mL), whereas TNF-alpha response was only a small fraction (0.3 ng/mL) of the controls. Endotoxin was much higher and longer persisting in the hepatectomized animal compared with controls. The near absence of PCT production in the anhepatic baboon suggests a primary role for the liver as a source of PCT production during endotoxin shock. Furthermore, the liver also seems to be an important source of TNF-alpha, but not IL-6 or IL-8.