Apoptosis of neutrophils and their elimination by Kupffer cells in rat liver.

The fate of neutrophils in the peripheral circulation is poorly understood. In this study, the role of Kupffer cells in eliminating aged and apoptotic neutrophils was investigated. Liver, spleen, lung, and blood samples from Wistar rats were examined by light and electron microscopy, the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) method, and immunohistochemistry after the intravenous injection of OK-432, a streptococcal preparation. Neutrophils were trapped predominantly in the periportal and midzonal regions of hepatic lobules and were in contact with endothelial cells and Kupffer cells, or were surrounded by Kupffer cells. The trapping of neutrophils peaked after 6 hours. Apoptotic neutrophils, with or without buds, were found in the lumen of hepatic sinusoids as early as 6 hours, reached maximal levels after 12 hours, and represented greater than 60% of the total number of neutrophils in the liver. The presence of apoptotic neutrophils was correlated with the degree of neutrophil phagocytosis. Double-staining showed that TUNEL-positive neutrophils were phagocytosed or encircled by ED1- or ED2-positive Kupffer cells. In contrast, apoptosis and phagocytosis of neutrophils were rare in the spleen, lung, and peripheral blood. These results suggested that the appearance of apoptotic neutrophils in the hepatic sinusoids and their rapid clearance by Kupffer cells occurs after the invasion of bacteria (i.e., bacteremia or bacteriotoxemia) or the release of inflammatory mediators into the blood stream. These findings have important implications for the regulation of neutrophil homeostasis, the limitation of inflammation and tissue injury, and provide insight into the physiological removal of circulating, senescent neutrophils.