Inhibition by endotoxemia of rat liver regeneration following partial hepatectomy with special reference to cytokine production

Abstract

The relationship between liver regeneration, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), and transforming growth factor-beta one (TGF- β1) after 70% hepatectomy in endotoxemic rats was studied. Rats were injected with saline (SH group) or lipopolysaccharide (ExH group). These solutions were injected into the portal vein immediately before hepatectomy. At 6, 12, 24, 36, 72, and 168 h after hepatectomy, the 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU) labeling index and HGF and TGF- β1 concentrations in plasma and liver tissue were measured. In the SH group, the peak BrdU labeling index was observed at 24 h. HGF concentrations in both plasma and liver tissue had maximal values at 12 h, while TGF- β1 activities showed minimal serial changes. In contrast, the peak BrdU labeling index was detected at 36 h in the ExH group. The plasma HGF concentrations were lower in the ExH group compared to the SH group. HGF concentrations in the livers of ExH group rats were decreased at 6 h. Plasma TGF- β1 concentrations were significantly increased in the ExH group, peaking at 6 h, while those in liver tissue were not different from those in the SH group. In conclusion, endotoxin significantly inhibits HGF production and increases TGF- β1 expression during liver regeneration.