Kupffer cells are activated in cirrhotic portal hypertension and not normalised by TIPS

Abstract

Kupffer cells were activated in patients with liver cirrhosis in parallel with their portal hypertension. The activation was not alleviated by the mechanical reduction of portal hypertension and the decreasing signs of endotoxinaemia. The findings suggest that Kupffer cell activation is a constitutive event that may play a pathogenic role for portal hypertension.