LIVER-REGENERATION

Liver regeneration after the loss of hepatic tissue is a fundamental p arameter of liver response to injury. Recognized as a phenomenon from mythological times, it is now defined as an orchestrated response indu ced by specific external stimuli and involving sequential changes in g ene expression, growth factor production, and morphologic structure. M any growth factors and cytokines, most notably hepatocyte growth facto r, epidermal growth factor, transforming growth factor-alpha, interleu kin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, insulin, and norepinephrine, appea r to play important roles in this process. This review attempts to int egrate the findings of the last three decades and looks toward clues a s to the nature of the causes that trigger this fascinating organ and cellular response.