Liver regeneration is enhanced by omeprazole in rats following partial hepatectomy

The effect of omeprazole on liver regeneration was studied in rats following partial (65 per cent) hepatectomy. Omeprazole 0.2 mg/kg increased the relative liver weight (weight of liver as a proportion of body-weight) and mitotic index (P < 0.05). There was no difference in food and water intake. The serum gastrin concentration was significantly higher in animals receiving omeprazole 0.2 mg/kg than in controls (P < 0.05). Omeprazole administration induced an increase in the level of serum alkaline phosphatase (P < 0.05) but had no effect on serum albumin, glutamic-pyruvic transaminase and total bilirubin levels. Omeprazole stimulates liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy and this regeneration may be mediated by gastrin.