CXCR1 deficiency does not alter liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy in mice

Previous studies have shown that CXC chemokines containing Glu-Leu-Arg (ELR) in their amino-terminus stimulate hepatocyte proliferation and liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy. These ELR+CXC chemokines bind to two receptors, CXCR1 and CXCR2. Previous work has shown that CXCR2 is involved in the proliferative effects of CXC chemokines. However, the function of CXCR1 during the regenerative response has not been studied. The aim of the current study was to investigate the role of CXCR1 in liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy. C57BL/6 (wild type) or CXCR1-/- mice were subjected to 70% partial hepatectomy or sham surgery and sacrificed on day 2 and 4 after operation. There were no significant differences in liver-to-body weight ratio or hepatocyte proliferation. The data suggest that CXCR1 does not mediate the proliferative effects of ELR+ CXC chemokines during liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy.