Effects of hepatic blood inflow occlusion on liver regeneration following partial hepatectomy in an experimental model of cirrhosis

Background: Hepatic blood inflow occlusion during hepatectomy may influence postoperative liver regeneration. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of hepatic blood inflow occlusion on liver regeneration foll owing partial hepatectomy in thioacetamide-induced cirrhotic rats. Methods: Forty-three cirrhotic Wistar-Furth rats were randomly assigned to three groups. Rats in group 1 underwent 64 per cent hepatectomy alone, thos e in group 2 were subjected to 15 min hepatic blood inflow occlusion follow ed by 64 per cent hepatectomy, and animals in group 3 were subjected to 30 min inflow occlusion followed by 64 per cent hepatectomy. Liver function, 5 -bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) labelling index and percentage of initial liv er weight on days 1, 2 and 7 posthepatectomy were assessed. Results: Rats in groups 1 and 2 had a significantly higher serum albumin le vel and a markedly lower alanine aminotransferase level than animals in gro up 3 on day I posthepatectomy(P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the serum level of total bilirubin of the three groups on days 1, 2 and 7, The BrdU labelling index was significantly higher in groups 1 and 2 than in group 3 animals on day I posthepatectomy (P<0.01 and P<0.05 respectivel y). Percentages of initial liver weight were similar in groups 1, 2 and 3 o n days 1, 2 and 7 after hepatectomy. Conclusion: Hepatic blood inflow occlusion for up to 30 min suppressed DNA synthesis and hepatocyte proliferation at an early posthepatectomy stage an d consequently delayed recovery of liver function in cirrhotic rats. Howeve r, it did not affect restoration of Liver mass or survival after 64 per cen t hepatectomy.