Effect of portal branch ligation on rat river regeneration.

Goal: The aim of this study was to assess liver regeneration after partial portal ligation. Methods: 70 % partial portal occlusion was obtained by ligation of the left portal vein branch. Total liver weight ratio were measured 96 hours after partial portal occlusion and in sham operated animals. The kinetics of hepa tocytes division was evaluated by measuring the incorporation of 5-bromo-21 -deoxyuridine into replicating cells at various time points by immunohistoc hemistry. Results: Partial portal occlusion did not alter the total liver weight 96 h ours after surgery. It resulted in atrophy of the ligated lobes and hypertr ophy of the lobes with preserved portal flow. Hypertrophy was associated to an increase of the percentage of replicating hepatocytes. The replication rate was maximun at 28 hours with a peak at 12.5 % and was prolonged beyond the 48th hour. Conclusions: Partial portal occlusion results in major and prolonged regene ration process in the liver robes with preserved portal flow. (C) 2000 Edit ions scientifiques et medicates Elsevier SAS.