We examined the effect of rumen bacterial endotoxins on the function of cultured bovine Kupffer cells. By the stimulation of endotoxins, Kupffer cells expressed the mRNAs of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, TNFα), and inducible nitric oxide synthetase (iNOS). This indicates the participation of inflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide derived from Kupffer cells in the expression of toxic effects of endotoxins.
(Lab. of Toxico-Pharmacology, Department of Feed Safety)