Objective    To study the expression of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) receptor

CD14 in the liver tissue during acute biliary infection and its relation with production of cytokines.     Methods    Rat models of acute biliary infection were established by ligating the choledochus and injecting

Escherichia coli

O111∶B4 into the duct. The expressions of CD14 protein and mRNA in liver tissue

the plasma levels of endotoxin

TNF-α and IL-6

and phagocytosis activity of Kupffer cells (KCs) were assayed at 0

3

6

12 and 24 h after operation. Ultrastructural changes in KCs were observed by electron microscopy.     Results    With the course prolonging in a

cute biliary infection

the plasma endotoxin level was progressively increased

KCs were activated and the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 markedly were increased

while the CD14 expression obviously increased at mRNA and protein levels.     Conclusion    The CD14 expression is gradually increased in liver tissue during acute biliary infection. KCs are activated and releasing more and more cytokines. It might be one of the important mechanisms of that KCs improve inflammatory response during the infection.