Activation of hepatic stellate cell and expression of hepatocyte growth factor in hepatic tissue after partial hepatectomy of rats with hepatic fibrosis

Objective: To research the activation of hepatic stellate cell(HSC) and its effects on the expression of hepatocyte growth factor and hepatic regeneration after partial hepatectomy of rats with hepatic fibrosis. Methods: Adult male rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: normal group, hepatic fibrosis group and the group of hepatic fibrosis with partial hepatectomy. The third group was subdivided into 6 groups: 12 hours, 1, 3, 5, 7 and 14 days after operation. Immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and western blotting were used to detect the expressions of α smooth muscle actin and hepatocyte growth factor in hepatic tissue of each group. Results: After partial hepatectomy of rats with hepatic fibrosis, the hepatic index increased very slowly; Expressions of α smooth muscle actin in hepatic tissue decreased to the lowest level at 3d post-operation and then began to increase gradually; Expression of hepatocyte growth factor reduced in the early phase, then came to a highest point, after that, it began to reduce gradually. Conclusions: After partial hepatectomy of rat with hepatic fibrosis, the remnant liver regenerates very slowly; The number of active HSC reduces firstly and then increases laterly. HSC may be a key factor affecting the expression of hepatocyte growth factor and hepatic regeneration.