Influence of radiofrequency ablation on dendritic cells in rats with liver carcinoma

Abstract

Objective To investigate the change of dendritic cells (DCs) in rats with hepatic carcinoma treated by radiofrequency ablation (RFA),and to explore the mechanisms of anti-tumor immune response to RFA. Methods Forty healthy SD rats with established animal model of hepatic carcinoma were randomly divided into control group (n = 10) ,RFA 7 d group (n = 16) and RFA 14 d group (n = 14). The rats of control group were killed without treatment. The other rats were killed in 7 d and 14 d after RFA treatment respectively. Peripheral blood, liver tissue around the ablation area and spleen were taken out. The OX62,OX6,CD86 of DCs were analyzed with flowcytometry. Results ①OX62 cells accounted for (0.45 ± 0.19)% of mononuelear cells in peripheral blood in control group. The account of OX62 cells increased to (0.78 ± 0.30)% and (1.53 % 0.80)% in RFA 7 d and 14 d groups respectively. There were significant differences between control and RFA 7 d group, control and RFA 14 d group (P<0.05). ②OX62 cells accounted for (18.91 ± 4.58)% of mononuclear cells in liver tissue around the tumor in control group. The account of OX62 cells increased to (24.49 ± 4.59)% in RFA 7 d group (P<0.05). The expression of OX6 on DCs in liver tissue was (15.29 ± 4.59)% and increased to (34.2 ± 11.62)% and (39.18 ± 9.14)% in RFA 7 d and RFA 14 d group respectively (P<0.05). ③OX62 cells accounted for (11.69 ± 4.39)% of mononuclear cells in spleen in control group which increased to (15.10±2.37)% in RFA 14 d group (P<0.05). Conclusions The precursor DCs in peripheral blood and DCs in liver and spleen increased significantly after RFA. The expressions of OX6 on DCs in liver and spleen increased after RFA. RFA can promote the differentiation and maturation of DC. The increased function of antigen presenting may contribute to the anti-tumor responses after RFA. Key words: Catheter ablation; Liver neoplasms,experimental; Dendritic cells