Objective: To explore the role of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in the pathogenesis of hepatorenal syndrome.
Methods: By isolated perfused kidney technique, rat kidneys were perfused at a constant flow. Changes in perfusion pressure (mmHg) were consecutively measured with multi-functional physiology recorder. After TNF-alpha or heparin treated 90 minutes, the perfusion pressure stimulated by endothelin-1 (ET-1) was detected.
Results: TNF-alpha and heparin didn't modify the baseline perfusion pressure. When ET-1 was added at 2 nmol/L, the perfusion pressures increased to (47+/-9) mmHg, (97+/-36) mm Hg and (11+/-6) mm Hg in control, TNF-alpha and heparin (10mg/L) treated group, respectively, which were different among the three groups (t>or=3.811, P<0.01). No pathological damages were found in kidney tissues from all the groups after being stained with hematoxylin/eosin.
Conclusion: TNF-alpha plays an important role in the pathogenesis of hepatorenal syndrome by promoting renal vasoconstriction.