Role of somatostatin in protecting small-for-size liver after hepatectomy in rats with cirrhosis

Abstract

Objective To explore the role of somatostatin in protecting small-for-size liver after he-patectomy in rats with cirrhosis. Methods Forty-eight rats with cirrhosis were randomly divided into somatostatin group (group S, n=24) and normal saline control group (group N, n=24). All rats from the two groups were measured with baseline portal vein pressure and blood flow volume. Additionally, at the endpoints of 15, 30 and 60 min after ischemia/reperfusion with hepatic inflow occlusion, portal vein pressure and blood flow volume were detected from both groups. Liver function test was also measured at the endpoints of 1, 3, 5, 24 h after ischemia/reperfusion for groups S and N. Results After 15-min ischemia/reperfusion, the portal vein pressure was higher in the rats of group S than that in group N [(19.4±0.8) cmH2O vs. (22.5±1.2) cmH2O (1 cmH2O=0.098 kPa)], there was significant difference (P<0.05). After 30 min ischemia/reperfusion, portal vein pressure results were (17.1±0.8) cmH2O and (19.7±0.8) cmH2O in group S and group N, respectively, P<0.05. At different endpoints, portal blood flow volume results were all higher in both groups than baseline figures. Furthermore, maximum portal blood flow volume was observed at the endpoint of 15 min ischemia/reperfusion in both groups, and lower in group S than group N [(10.1±0.4)ml/min vs. (11.9±0.5)ml/min, P<0.05]. Liver function test revealed AST, ALT, TBil exceed normal limits in rats of both groups, which elevated along prolonged ischemia/reperfusion. One week after hepatectomy, the survival of rats treated with somatostatin (group S, 7/10) was superior to saline control group (group N, 2/10), P<0.05. Future liver volume increased in rats from both groups, much significant increase was determined in group S [(5.5±0.4)g vs. (6.6±0.3)g, P<0.05]. Conclusions Somatostatin might improve portal vein hypertension status in the early stage of small- for- size liver after he-patectomy, and decrease portal blood flow. Furthermore, it could alleviate small- for- size liver injury associated with portal vein hypertension and hyperperfusion, and benefit liver regeneration and improve postoperative survival in rats with cirrhosis. Key words: Somatostatin; Cirrhosis; Hepatectomy; Small-for-size liver