FUNCTION OF REDUCED-SIZE LIVER-TRANSPLANT IN THE RAT

We have studied the function of partial orthotopic liver transplantati on in the rat by evaluating prothrombin time (PT), liver blood flow, b asal and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and glucose tolerance, a nd the reticuloendothelial function (RES) in hepatectomized rats subje cted to partial liver transplantation. A graft corresponding to 68% of a normal liver was transplanted to totally hepatectomized rats. Compa rison was made between control rats and rats subjected to 32% liver re section. PT was not significantly different in the transplanted group compared with liver-resected and control rats. Laser Doppler flowmetry showed that at 28 days after surgery, blood flow had increased in the transplanted livers. Furthermore, on the third day after transplantat ion, basal plasma insulin was increased and the plasma insulin respons e to glucose was exaggerated, suggesting reduced insulin action and im paired insulin degradation. Finally, uptake of radioactive-labeled E. coli bacteria, as a measure of RES function, was not compromised in tr ansplanted animals. Based on these results, we conclude that reduced-s ize liver transplant in outbred rats results in fast normalization of liver function after surgery although, immediately after surgery, gluc ose intolerance is seen.