Changes in hepatic portal resistance and in liver morphology during regeneration: in vitro study in rats

Abstract

Objective: To study the effects of liver regeneration on hepatic portal resistance and on the morphology of liver sinusoids.

Design: Experimental in vitro study.

Setting: University laboratory, Hong Kong.

Animals: 10 Groups of 6 male Sprague Dawley rats each.

Interventions: Two thirds hepatectomy, with subsequent re-hepatectomy for measurements 0, 1, 3, 7, 21 and 56 days later. Perfusion of isolated livers and histomorphometry.

Main outcome measures: Hepatic portal resistance and measurement of width and length of sinusoids.

Results: Liver weight was restored within 7 days of hepatectomy. Hepatic portal resistance/g of liver increased, reaching a maximum at 3 and 7 days of hepatectomy, and subsequently returned to initial values after 56 days. Width of sinusoids decreased to a minimum within 3 to 7 days of hepatectomy, and subsequently returned close to initial values within 56 days of hepatectomy. The changes in hepatic portal resistance occurred in phase with the changes in the width of liver sinusoids.

Conclusions: There is a transient increase in hepatic portal resistance/g of liver during regeneration; transient narrowing of sinusoids may contribute to this change.