Morphological and biochemical effects of a low ethanol dose on rat liver regeneration - Role of route and timing of administration

We have demonstrated that in rats subjected to partial hepatectomy (PH), th e regenerating liver had an enhanced metabolism of ethanol, which largely d epended on the route and timing of ethanol administration. Therefore, the i nfluence of the administration route and timing for ethanol-induced deleter ious effects on the regenerating rat liver was evaluated in animals subject ed to 70% PH. Remnant liver showed moderate fatty infiltration, extended di stortion of hepatocellular structure, and high mitotic index. Intragastric ethanol administration (1.5 g/kg body weight) considerably reduced the PH-i nduced changes in liver structures. Ethanol treatment also decreased liver thymidine kinase activity, serum albumin, and glucose levels. Intraperitone al administration of the same ethanol dose to PH rats promoted lesser alter ations on liver regeneration. Independently of its administration route, et hanol abruptly shortened a PH-induced selective increase in serum enzyme ac tivities. These data suggest that the inhibitory effect of a low dose of et hanol on PH-induced liver regeneration is dependent on the timing and route of administration.