Effects Of FK506 On Liver Regeneration After Reduced-size Liver Transplantation In Rats

The graft would start to regenerate after liver transplantation because of the damages caused by warm ischemia,pregraft preservaticn,reperfusion infury,denervation and drug toxicity during the process.The capacity of the liver graft to regenerate after such injuries is considered to be crucial for the transplant to be successful,especially for the reduced-size liver transplant.Recent studies have shown a close relationship between hepatic regeneration and FK506 as well as cyclosporine. Liftle is known about the mechanism of the effects,and it is also unclear that whether there has a relationship between the dosage of FK506 and the effects.These experiments were undertaken to study the effects of FK506 on liver regeneration after an isogeneic orthotopic reduced-size hepatic transplantaion in rats. Results: l.A model of reduced-size(65%partial liver graft) liver transplantation in rats has been successfully established ,which is useful for studies on liver regeneration in vivo. 2.FK506 significantly augmented PCNA labeling index and rnitotic index of hepatocyte 48 hours after transplantation,at which time both these two indice reached their maximum. -3- ~4i~V~ 3.FK506 at a dose of O.lmg/kg.day in Group B significantly increased PCNA labeling index at 48 hours after operation compared with that seen in Group C(FK506 at a dose of O.O5mg/kg.day).In conclusion,FK506 augments liver regeneration after reduce-size hepatic transplantation,and the effects may be dosage-dependant. 4.Hepatotoxicity of FK506 has not been observed during the process of the experiments. The present data demonstrate that FK506 is a hepato- trophic,nonhepatotoxic and potent immunosuppressive agent,and it is ideal for liver transplantation,especially for partial liver transplantation in clinic.