Influence of growth hormone on liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy in rats

Objective To study the effects of growth hormone (GH) on liver regeneration after 70% hepatectomy. Methods Sixty SD rats were randomly divided into control group and GH treated group, treating with 0.9% saline solution and GH respectively after 70% hepatectomy, according to the technique of Higgins. Six rats from each group were killed at 6、24、58、72、96 hours postoperatively. The parameters of liver regeneration were evaluated as the following ① remnant liver weight; ② proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) labeling index; ③ PCNA positive surface area and grey scale value which were measured by quantitative image analysis. Results As compared with the control group, remnant liver weight, PCNA labeling index, and PCNA positive surface area in GH group were significantly increased postoperatively ( P 0.05), whereas PCNA grey scale value was significantly decreased. Conclusion GH can promote hepatocytes proliferation intensely and stimulate liver regeneration.