Basic fibroblast growth factor is hepatotropic for rat liver in regeneration

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Regenerative Medicine
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) is implicated in liver regeneration.
• Understanding FGF's role requires studying its uptake and effects on liver cells post-hepatectomy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the liver uptake of basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF) after partial hepatectomy.
• To assess the mitogenic effect of FGF on liver DNA synthesis in rats subjected to different degrees of partial hepatectomy.

Main Methods:

• Intravenous administration of radiolabeled human basic FGF ([125I]bFGF) to rats following 68% partial hepatectomy.
• Measurement of [125I]bFGF concentration in liver, kidney, and spleen.
• Assessment of [3H]thymidine incorporation into liver DNA after FGF injection in rats with 21% or 68% partial hepatectomy.
• Autoradiography to identify labeled cells.

Main Results:

• Liver uptake of [125I]bFGF significantly increased threefold after 68% partial hepatectomy, remaining elevated for 24 hours.
• Basic FGF injection stimulated [3H]thymidine incorporation into liver DNA after 21% partial hepatectomy.
• No significant mitogenic effect of FGF was observed after 68% partial hepatectomy.
• Hepatocytes were the primary labeled cells post-hepatectomy and FGF administration.

Conclusions:

• Liver uptake of basic FGF is enhanced following 68% partial hepatectomy.
• Basic FGF demonstrates mitogenic activity on liver parenchymal cells in the early phase after 21% partial hepatectomy.