Regenerative activity and liver function following partial hepatectomy in the rat using 31P-MR spectroscopy

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to determine whether alterations in hepatic energy expenditure following partial hepatectomy (PHx), as documented by in vivo hepatic 31P-MRS, correlate with standard parameters of hepatic regeneration and/or liver function. In addition, we sought to determine whether changes in hepatic energy levels are proportional to the extent of hepatic resection. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (4-7 per group) underwent a 40%, 70%, or 90% PHx or sham surgeries. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) examinations were performed on each animal 24 or 48 hours thereafter. After MRS examinations, [3H]thymidine incorporation into hepatic DNA, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) protein expression, and serum bilirubin determinations were performed on each rat. Twenty-four hours following surgery, rats that had undergone 70% PHx had unchanged adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels but significantly lower ATP/inorganic phosphate (Pi) ratios (P < .005), PCNA protein expression (r =-0.62, P < .005), and serum bilirubin (r =-0.49, P