[Effect of activation of the reticuloendothelial system on hepatocyte regeneration in partially hepatectomized rats]

Enhanced effect on rat hepatocyte regeneration through activation of the reticuloendothelial system (RES) was investigated. RES was activated using by OK-432 and the phagocytic activity (K-value) increased 2-fold over control rats 24 hours after intraperitoneal injection of OK-432. In OK-432 treated rats, the amount of cyclic AMP in the regenerating liver also increased 1.5-fold higher than in control rats 14 hours after hepatectomy. After 70% partial hepatectomy, liver DNA synthesis in OK-432 treated rats increased 2 to 5-fold higher than in control rats. There was a good correlation between the K-value before hepatectomy and DNA synthesis 24 hours after hepatectomy (r = 0.96). Therefore the RES is one of the most important regulatory factors in liver regeneration. Augmentation of RES before hepatectomy may prevent hepatic failure after resection in liver diseases.