Protective Effect Of Thyroid Hormone On The Hepatocytes In A Rat Model Of Acute Hepatic Failure

Objective:To explore the protective effect of thyroid hormone supplement on the hepatocytes in a rat model of acute hepatic failure,and to provide an effective treatment for clinical treatment of acute hepatic failure.Methods:(1) Thirty-six SD rats were randomly distributed in three groups: control group-1,AHF group,treatment group.(2) A rat model of acute hepatic failure was made:In group-1 (control group-1),the rats received only placebo.In group-2(AHF group),the rats received intraperitoneal injection of d-galactosamine and saline.In group-3(treatment group),the rats received intraperitoneal injection of T₃(triiodothyronine) at a dose of 15 mg/kg in addition to d-galactosamine.(3) After 48 hous from the rats received intraperitoneal injection of d-galactosamine,blood and liver samples were obtained in all animals for the determination of thyroid,hepatic functional parameters,cell factor (TNF-α,IL-6) and for the microscopic assessment of hepatic injuries. Hepatocyte apoptosis was detectioned with TUNEL,and apoptosis index in each group was calculationed. Result:T₃ was subnormal in a rat model of acute hepatic failure.There were lesser degree of hepatocyte injuries and reduced mortality in the treatment group as compared to the AHF group(P＜0.05).Apoptosis index of hepatocyte was reduced in the treatment group as compared to the AHF group.Conclusions:Euthyroid sick syndrome is present in a rat model of acute hepatic failure;Thyroid hormone supplement may improve the prognosis and may have significant hepatocyte protective effects in this animal of acute hepatic failure.