Gadolinium chloride inhibitsKupifer cell nitricoxide synthase (INOS)induction

Kupffer cells (KC) are the phagocytic macrophages of the liver. The rare earth metal, gadolinium (GdC13), is a lanthanide, which, after phagocytosis by the KC, has been found to alter various aspects of KC physiology. In this study, we describe for the first time that the in vivo administra- tion of GdC13 to rats decreases the release of NO by isolated rat KC in response to lipopolysaccharide. Western blot analysis shows decreased expression of both inducible nitric oxide synthase as well as total cellular calmodulin after GdC13 treatment. Possible mechanisms for this phenomenon are suggested. J. Leukoc. BiOI. 60: 487-492; 1996.