Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 16, 2026
Partial Lobular Hepatectomy: A Surgical Model for Morphologic Liver Regeneration
Published on: May 31, 2018
Neutrophil phenotype and function in partial hepatectomy in man
Katharina Holzer1, Dennis Hofmann, Elsie Oppermann
1Department of General Surgery, Johann-Wolfgang Goethe-University, Theodor- Stern- Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany. Holzer@em.uni-frankfurt.de
Purpose:
Hepatic resections are still associated with considerable morbidity mainly because of postoperative infection. Adequate function of neutrophils is a crucial element in host defense. The aim of the study was to characterize neutrophils during partial hepatectomy.
Methods:
Fourteen patients undergoing partial liver resection were enrolled. Twenty-four hours pre-, intra- (after induction of anesthesia, after preparation of the liver, and 15 min after release of the Pringle maneuver), as well as postoperatively (3 h after Pringle; 24, 48, and 120 h after surgery), blood samples were obtained. In addition, healthy volunteers (n = 5) were investigated. Adhesion molecules (CD 62, CD 18), Fcy receptors (CD 16, CD 32), and phagocytosis by neutrophils were characterized by fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis. Spontaneous and stimulated (formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine) oxygen radical generation was measured by lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence.
Results:
Numeric upregulation of CD 62 and CD 18 on neutrophils was seen before the use of Pringle maneuver and persisted thereafter (p < 0.05). Spontaneous numeric expression of Fcy receptors (CD16 and CD 32) was unchanged during liver dissection but downregulated after Pringle maneuver was opened (p < 0.05). Although numeric Fcy receptors were downregulated, phagocytosis of heterologous opsonized Escherichia coli bacteria by neutrophils was unaffected. Spontaneous oxygen radical production peaked sharply 15 min after release of the Pringle maneuver (p < 0.05), contrary to stimulated oxygen radical production, which was depressed 3 h after the release of the Pringle maneuver (ns).
Conclusions:
Uneventful partial hepatectomy in man resulted already in a significant change in the phenotype but in less significant changes in the functions of neutrophils.
Insights
Partial hepatectomy alters neutrophil phenotype and function. Neutrophil adhesion molecules increase, while Fcy receptors decrease, impacting host defense during liver surgery.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Surgical Oncology
- Hepatobiliary Surgery
Background:
- Postoperative infection is a major complication of hepatic resections.
- Neutrophil function is critical for host defense against infection.
- Understanding neutrophil behavior during liver surgery is essential for improving patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize changes in neutrophil phenotype and function during partial hepatectomy.
- To investigate the impact of liver resection and Pringle maneuver on neutrophil adhesion molecules, Fcy receptors, and phagocytosis.
Main Methods:
- Blood samples were collected from 14 patients undergoing partial liver resection at various time points.
- Neutrophil adhesion molecules (CD 62, CD 18) and Fcy receptors (CD 16, CD 32) were analyzed using fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis.
- Neutrophil phagocytosis and oxygen radical generation were measured.
Main Results:
- Upregulation of CD 62 and CD 18 on neutrophils was observed during and after liver resection.
- Fcy receptors (CD16, CD32) were downregulated after the Pringle maneuver release, but neutrophil phagocytosis remained unaffected.
- Spontaneous oxygen radical production peaked post-Pringle maneuver release, while stimulated production was depressed.
Conclusions:
- Partial hepatectomy significantly alters neutrophil phenotype in humans.
- Neutrophil function shows less significant changes compared to phenotype alterations after liver resection.
- These findings provide insights into neutrophil behavior during hepatic surgery and potential implications for infection risk.
