Effect of pancreaticobiliary diversion on liver regeneration

To ascertain whether the increase in cholecystokinin (CCK) level associated with pancreaticobiliary diversion has a cytoproliferative effect on the liver similar to that on the pancreas, we studied three groups of rats: group I (n = 19) had a pancreaticobiliary diversion and 4 weeks later a 70% liver resection, group II (n = 13) had a liver resection only, and group III (n = 6) underwent a sham liver operation. Tissue samples were taken from the liver and pancreas 48 h after the liver operation. Liver regeneration was evaluated on the basis of continuous incorporation of tritiated thymidine into hepatocytes, liver weight, and DNA content. For confirmation of the increase in CCK levels the effects on the pancreas was studied by measuring wet weight, total protein, and total DNA content. The results showed trophic effects on the pancreas, as expected, but no effects whatsoever on liver regeneration. CCK does not seem to have any role in the regulation of liver regeneration.