Effects of partial hepatectomy on the immune responses in mice

Experiments were performed to investigate the immune responses occurring as a result of partial hepatectomy (HEP) in mice. On Day 12 mice subjected to HEP showed a twofold rise in serum levels of IgG when compared with sham-operated (ShO) controls. The effects of HEP on specific antibody production following a single immunization with sheep red blood cells (SRBCs) were investigated. An early appearance of direct (IgM) splenic plaque-forming cells (PFCs) and significantly elevated indirect (IgG) PFCs were found in HEP mice. Elevated, early-appearing mercaptoethanol-resistant (IgG) hemagglutinating antibodies were also demonstrated in the sera of HEP mice. In addition to these findings our study showed that humoral and cell-mediated responses are affected by HEP in opposing fashion. Partial hepatectomy performed immediately after skin grafting suppressed a first set allograft rejection in mice. Furthermore, inhibited delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response against SRBCs, as evaluated by a footpad weight assay, was demonstrated in HEP mice compared with the ShO controls. When SRBC-primed mice were partially hepatectomized 15 days later, they responded in a manner typical of the secondary immune response, showing an increased production of indirect (IgG) splenic PFCs. A similar anamnestic response was observed in mice sensitized with leptospiral antigen 50 days prior to HEP or exposed to carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) hepatotoxin. The mice responded by elevated serum IgG-specific antibodies as measured by solid-phase enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Since HEP induced in mice immunological disturbances similar to those associated with liver disease, it is suggested that partial hepatectomy creating liver deficiency followed by regeneration may be a useful experimental model to study the immune status of various forms of hepatic damage.