Liver regeneration after small-for-size liver transplantation in rats

Objective To explore liver regeneration after small-for-size liver transplantation. Methods 30% orthotopic liver transplantation was performed in a syngeneic strain combination (30% POLT group). The proliferative rates of the small-for-size liver grafts were evaluated on postoperative day (POD) 1, 2, 3 and 7, respectively, and compared with those of the remnant liver after 70% hepatectomy(PH group) as well as the full-size liver grafts(OLT group). The histological changes, the indices of liver function and their 1-week survival rates were observed. Results The 1-week survival rates of the three groups were 100%. The proliferative rates of the 30% POLT group peaked on 2 days after operation, which level had no difference from that of the PH group (P 0. 05). The levels of liver function indices of the 30%POLT group were increased obviously on 1st and 3rd day after operation.Histological analysis revealed a higher number of mitosis.Conclusion The 30% liver graft was capable of regeneration similar to the situation following 70% PH, with a slightly postponed time course. Short duration of cold ischemia and refined surgical technique were probably essential to the regeneration of the small-for-size liver graft.