Proliferating cell nuclear antigen, plasma fibronectin, and liver regeneration rate after seventy percent hepatectomy in normal and cirrhotic rats.

BACKGROUND

The difference in liver regeneration rate in relation to proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and plasma fibronectin level in the cirrhotic and control liver after 70% hepatectomy were examined in the rat.

METHODS

Liver cirrhosis was induced by intraperitoneal injection of thioacetamide for 12 weeks; rats without thioacetamide administration served as controls. On the day before and days 1, 2, 3, and 7 after 70% hepatectomy, PCNA labeling index of hepatocyte, plasma fibronectin level, and percentage of the initial liver weight were determined.

RESULTS

Liver regeneration rate as expressed by percent of initial liver weight was impaired in the cirrhotic liver, and significantly lower regeneration rate was observed on days 3 and 7 after hepatectomy in the cirrhotic rats as compared with controls. PCNA labeling index was higher in the cirrhotic liver before hepatectomy. Little change of PNA labeling index was observed in the cirrhotic liver, although the index increased significantly in the control liver; significantly higher values were observed on days 1, 2, and 3, with the maximal value on day 2 after hepatectomy. The plasma fibronectin level was significantly lower in the cirrhotic rat before and after hepatectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

The results show that liver regeneration is impaired in the cirrhotic liver associated with little activation of PCNA and with lower plasma fibronectin level.