[Effects of sublethal endotoxemia to the hepatic reticuloendothelial system after massive hepatectomy]

Sublethal doses (1mg/kg) of endotoxin (ET) were intravenously administered on the first, third and fifth days after 34%, 70%, and 84% hepatectomies in rats. The same hepatectomy groups of rats without ET administration were made. Survival rates, distribution of Kupffer cells (Kc), regeneration rate of the liver weight, carbon clearance test (K value) and PTAH staining were compared between ET treated and untreated groups. Survival rates of 84% hepatectomy rats with ET injection on the 3rd postoperative day (POD) was significantly lower than those of 70% hepatectomy rats with ET on the 1st or 3rd POD. ET activated reticuloendothelial function of the non-hepatectomized and 34% hepatectomy rats, but reduced the number of the Kc in the central zone, especially in 84% hepatectomized rats. K values and the number of Kc in the central zone showed a good correlationship (r = 0.9) after 70% and 84% hepatectomies. Patchy hepatic necrosis and fibrin clots were observed histologically in the liver, kidney and spleen of rats died after ET administration. In conclusion, sublethal endotoxemia reduces the function and number of Kupffer cells in the regenerating liver and causes postoperative death in the rats with massive hepatectomy.