Objective    To investigate the expression of scavenger receptor A (SR-A) in rat liver tissues during acute obstructive suppurative cholangitis (AOSC) and its relations with inflammatory mediators and hepatic injury.     Methods    Wistar rat models of AOSC were reproduced by ligating choledochus and inside injecting Escherichia coli O111∶B4. The plasma endotoxin concentrations

TNF-α levels and expressions of SR-A protein and mRNA in liver tissues were assayed by limulus test

ELISA

immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR

respectively. Pathological changes of liver tissues were observed under light microscope.     Results    With the time prolonged

the plasma endotoxin concentrations and the TNF-α levels gradually increased

but the SR-A protein and mRNA expressions decreased in the rats of experimental group

significantly different with those in sham operation group and normal saline group (P0.05). Meanwhile

the hepatic injury was gradually aggravated.     Conclusion    With the decreased expression of SR-A in liver tissues during AOSC

the Kupffer cells’ abilities of clearing and inactivating endotoxin are down-regulated

and simultaneously Kupffer cells produce and release more cytokines that may initiate and aggravate liver injury.