Effects of pHGF on hepatocyte DNA synthesis after partial hepatectomy in rats

The effects of pHGF on the changes of hepatocyte proliferative cycle and liver regenerative capacity after partial hepatectomized rats were observed by flow cytometry (FCM). The results were as follows: 1) S phase fraction (SPF) in group of normal rats (group A) accounted for 9.89% and increased gradually within 6 h, following a peak at 12th h or 36th h after operation, but in the group of pHGF-treated rats (group B) the peak appeared at 24th h after operation; 2) Proliferation index (PI) of group A was 19.6% before partial hepatectomy, increased to 34.91% within 6 h and reached a peaks at 12th or 36th h after operation, and in group B the peak appeared at 48th h after operation. There were significant differences between two groups in SPF and PI (P < 0.01). The weight of liver began to increase 12 h after operation, and almost reached the preoperative weight 5 days after operation. These findings suggest that pHGF can promote the DNA synthesis and segmentation of hepatocyte.