Monoamine metabolism in the lateral hypothalamic area after partial hepatectomy in rats studied with a microdialysis technique

Abstract

It has been suggested that autonomic nervous system contributes to the process of the liver regeneration. The lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) is one of important higher centers and controls the function of visceral organs. In this study, changes in the level of monoamines and their metabolites in the LHA were studied after partial hepatectomy in rats by means of a microdialysis technique. Experiments were performed in three groups of rats; 1) 70% hepatectomized rats, 2) 70% hepatectomized rats with vagotomy, 3) sham operation rats. NE, DOPAC and HVA did not change in each group. 5-HIAA, which is the metabolite of Serotonin, increased significantly after 70% hepatectomy without vagotomy. These results suggest that serotonin release in the LHA was enhanced after partial hepatectomy and afferent signals by way of the vagal hepatic branch play an important role in regulation of the liver function and the early process of the liver regeneration.