The influence of splenic artery ligation on the expression of transforming growth factor alpha during liver regeneration in partial liver resection rats

Abstract

Objective To observe the expression of transforming growth factor alpha (TGF-α) during liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy and splenic artery ligation, and study the influence of the splenic artery ligation on liver regeneration. Methods Seventy-two male rats were randomly divided into three groups: the sham operation group (A group) given the sham operation; 70% hepatectomy group (B group) given 70% liver resection; 70% hepatectomy and splenic artery ligation group (C group) griven splenic artery ligation and 70% liver resection. Each group was divided into subgroups of 24, 48, 72 h after the operation. The expression levels of TGF-α in liver tissues were measured by immunohistochemical methods. Serum TGF-α levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results As compared with A group, the levels of serum TGF-α at 24, 48 and 72 h after the operation was significantly incressed in the B group [(242.35±9.33), (163.64±9.22), (206.42±8.42) pg/ml] and C group [(259.00±11.50), (170.77±9.04), (212.12±10.63) pg/ml, P=0.000]. The expression levels of TGF-α in liver tissues were notably increased at 24, 48 and 72 h after the operation in the B group and C group (P=0.000). As compared with B group, the level of serum TGF-α and the expression of TGF-α in liver tissues were both increased at 24 h after the operation in C group (P=0.006, P=0.019). There were no significant differences between B group and C group in the level of serum TGF-α and the expression of TGF-α in liver tissues at 48 and 72 h (P=0.163, P=0.074, P=0.194, P=0.096). Conclusion The expression of TGF-α at 24 h after the 70% hepatectomy was promoted by the splenic artery ligation. The finding demonstrated that the splenic artery ligation can promote liver regeneration at early stage (about 24 h) after 70% liver resection in rats. Key words: Transforming growth factor alpha; Splenic artery ligation; Liver regeneration; Rat; Hepatectomy