Significance of nucleosides and a nucleotide mixture infusion on hepatic energy metabolism of 70% hepatectomized rabbits in postoperative phase.

BACKGROUND

The influence of administration of a nucleoside-nucleotide mixture on hepatic energy metabolism was investigated in 70% hepatectomized rabbits from 48 to 72 hours after hepatectomy.

METHODS

From 48 to 72 hours after hepatectomy, animals underwent continuous i.v. infusion of 2 mL/kg body weight/h of 9 g/L NaCl (group S), 5.99 mmol/L nucleoside-nucleotide mixture (group N1) or 11.98 mmol/L nucleoside-nucleotide mixture (group N2).

RESULTS

At 72 hours, there was no significant difference in the hepatic adenylate energy charge among groups (S, 0.84 +/- 0.01; N1, 0.82 +/- 0.02; N2, 0.85 +/- 0.01). The hepatic mitochondrial phosphorylation rate was 66.9 +/- 2.5, 76.3 +/- 11.1, and 108.4 +/- 14.1 nmol ATP/mg mitochondrial protein/min in groups S, N1, and N2, respectively. The value of group N2 was significantly higher than the value of group S (p < .01). In addition, DNA concentration of the remnant liver was 2.27 +/- 0.07, 2.56 +/- 0.17, and 3.19 +/- 0.42 mg/g wet liver in groups S, N1, and N2, respectively, showing a significant increase in group N2 compared with group S (p < .05).

CONCLUSION

A continuous i.v. infusion of a nucleoside-nucleotide mixture to 70% hepatectomized rabbits from 48 to 72 hours after hepatectomy prolonged an enhancement of the hepatic mitochondrial phosphorylation rate and elevated DNA content of the remnant liver.