HEPATIC PROTEIN-SYNTHESIS IN THE REGENERATING RAT-LIVER AFTER HEPATOPANCREATECTOMY

To evaluate the effects of hepatopancreatectomy on the regenerative pr ocess of the liver, the serum protein changes, hepatic protein synthes is (HPS), and bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) labeling index were measured in rats. Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups according to the type of resection: A simple laparotomy was performed in the sham g roup; 68% of the liver was excised in the Hx group; 45% of the pancrea s was excised in the Pr group; and 45% of the pancreas and 68% of the liver were excised simultaneously in the HPx group, Serum total protei n and albumin levels were significantly lower in the HPx group compare d to the other three groups on postoperative day (POD) 3 (P < 0.05). I QPS was markedly increased in the Hx and HPx groups. In the Hx group, it was significantly higher, peaking on POD 2, compared to the HPx gro up (P < 0.05), while in the HPx group, it was significantly higher com pared to the Hx group (P < 0.05), peaking on POD 3, The BrdU labeling index, as a marker of DNA synthesis, was significantly suppressed in t he HPx group on POD 1 compared to the Hx group (P < 0.05). Thus, compa red to hepatectomy alone, hepatopancreatectomy suppresses DNA synthesi s, causing a delay in the increase of protein synthesis in the regener ating liver, resulting in a more marked decrease in the serum protein level.