Effects of portal vein arterialization on liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy in the rat

Although portal venous supply is considered essential to preserve hepatic integrity, in this study, effects of portal arterialization on liver regeneration were evaluated in a rat model of partial hepatectomy (PH). Ninety-six Lewis rats were randomly assigned to four groups of 24 rats each: PH only (group 1), PH with either venous or arterialized portal supply (groups 2 and 3, respectively), and PH without portal supply (group 4). Liver regeneration rate (LRR), 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU) labeling index, and liver biological characteristics were assessed on days 1, 2, 3, and 7. Compared with group 1, all tested rats had a marked body weight loss after surgery, and only rats in group 4 showed no signs of recovery on day 7. With maintained portal inflow (groups 1, 2, and 3), LRRs increased steadily to day-7 values of 89.2% +/- 11.8%, 81.4% +/- 8%, and 77.4% +/- 9.4%, respectively (P = not significant), and 24-hour peak values of BrdU labeling index were 159 +/- 26, 157 +/- 42, and 149 +/- 48, respectively (P = not significant). Conversely, rats deprived of portal supply (group 4) showed profound inhibition of these two parameters (14 +/- 13; P < .01; 32.1% +/- 7.7%; P < .001, respectively). These results indicate that proper portal blood supply is essential to initiate and maintain liver regeneration after PH. With an equivalent portal inflow rate of either venous or arterial source, the hepatic regeneration response can be sustained.