Impaired liver regeneration and EGF receptor in experimentaly induced "acute on chronic" type liver failure

Abstract

This study was performed to examine the state of imparied liver regeneration in so called acute on chronic type liver failure (AOC) which is known to be a fatal condition. For this purpose, the rat model of AOC was prepared by intraperitoneal injection of d-galactosamine (D-Gal) in rats with chronic liver damage. In this model, blood chemistry, histology, DNA synthesizing hepatocyte, EGF receptor of liver microsomal fraction and intrahepatic EGF concentration were estimated and compared with the same parameters in rats with acute liver failure induced by D-Gal (control).
Serum GPT level rose faster in AOC than that in control. With regard to histological findings in AOC, pseudo-bile-ducts and massive hepatic necrosis were noted 48 hours and 72 hours after D-Gal injection respectively. Labelling index was significantly less in AOC than that in control 48 hours after D-Gal injection. EGF receptor was significantly less in AOC than that in control 24 hours after D-Gal injection. Intrahepatic EGF concentration was significantly less in AOC than that in control 48 hours after D-Gal injection.
In conclusion, the examined parameters indicated that in AOC, hepatocytes were highly susceptible to necrotic agent and its capacity for the liver regeneration was impaired compared with the acute liver failure model.