[Effect of RES on liver regeneration and survival after 90% partial hepatectomy]

In previous studies, 90% partial hepatectomy in the rat was invariably accompanied by 100% mortality within 40 hr. This paper describes the effect of enhanced reticuloendothelial system (RES) on liver regeneration after 90% partial hepatectomy. RES was activated using 5 K.E. of OK-432 injected intraperitoneally 24 hr before 90% partial hepatectomy. Ninety per cent of the liver mass was resected and rats were provided with tap water or 20% glucose orally and subcutaneously. Survival time was strikingly different. In rats provided with tap water only; 100% of rats died before 42 hr. In rats provided with 20% glucose; 44.2% of rats survived beyond 42 hr. In rats pretreated with OK-432 and provided with 20% glucose; 87.0% of rats survived beyond 42 hr. This regimen results in severe hypoglycemia and dead within 42 hr. When RES was activated before 90% partial hepatectomy, significantly higher blood glucose level was observed. BrdU labeling index was significantly higher in rats pretreated with OK-432 than in control rats. The results indicate that enhancement of RES before 90% partial hepatectomy provides acute metabolic support and enhancement of liver regeneration resulting in improved survival.