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Biomedical subjects

G Watanabe

Publications and source records attributed to G Watanabe.

At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources
PubMed1999

Multiple minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass grafting for the complete revascularization of the left ventricle.

BACKGROUND: Single-vessel coronary artery bypass grafting of the left internal mammary artery to the left anterior descending coronary artery using a minithoracotomy has been shown to produce excellent results with a very low mortality rate. However, this procedure cannot be used in patients with double- or triple-vessel disease. Our goal was to develop a minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass grafting without cardiopulmonary bypass for total revascularization of the left ventricle using multiple arterial grafts. METHODS: Limited lateral thoracotomy was performed in the fourth or fifth intercostal spaces, exposing the left anterior descending coronary artery and left circumflex coronary artery. Two or three arterial grafts were harvested. Revascularization of the left anterior descending coronary artery and the left circumflex coronary artery were performed in 20 patients without cardiopulmonary bypass through the limited lateral thoracotomy using complex performed arterial grafts. In 4 patients, triple- and quadruple-vessel grafting was performed. RESULTS: The mean coronary cross-clamp time was 14.5+/-4.0 minutes for the left anterior descending coronary artery and 16.8+/-5.1 minutes for the left circumflex coronary artery. No early deaths or postoperative complications occurred. There were no late deaths or angina during the mean follow-up of 7.0 months (range, 2 to 22 months). Postoperative coronary angiography demonstrated widely patent grafts in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Minimally invasive approach through a limited thoracotomy in multiple coronary artery bypass graftings are technically feasible and may be an alternative approach in the complete revascularization of the left ventricle. Mechanical immobilization of the coronary artery enhances early graft patency and is an essential part of this procedure.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

On-line assessment of regional ventricular wall motion by transesophageal echocardiography with color kinesis during minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to determine the changes in regional ventricular wall motion during minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass grafting by color kinesis using transesophageal echocardiography. METHODS: Minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting was performed in 34 patients, during which transesophageal echocardiography was used. Thirteen patients had isolated disease of the left anterior descending artery. Regional ventricular wall motion was analyzed by color kinesis with the SONOS 2500 transesophageal echocardiograph (Hewlett-Packard Co, Andover, Mass). On-line assessment of regional wall motion was continued during the operation. RESULTS: Wall motion abnormalities during ischemia were present in 4 cases, left ventricular mid-anterior hypokinesis in 3 cases, and left ventricular apical-lateral hypokinesis in 1 case. In all cases, wall motion was maintained after bypass. In patients with total coronary occlusion, changes in wall motion did not occur during anastomosis. CONCLUSIONS: Color kinesis allowed us to evaluate the change in regional ventricular wall motion induced by myocardial ischemia during minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting both objectively and quantitatively.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

Motility-related protein (MRP-1/CD9) and KAI1/CD82 expression inversely correlate with lymph node metastasis in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Although the mechanisms of action of the transmembrane superfamilies, motility-related protein-1 (MRP-1/CD9) and KAI1/CD82, are not well known, they are reported to suppress the metastasis of several kinds of cancers. The suppression of cell motility by MRP-1/CD9 may cause suppression of the metastasis. As we could not find any reports concerning the expression of MRP-1/CD9 and KAI1/CD82 in oesophageal cancers we investigated their expression in oesophageal specimens. We conducted immunohistochemical staining for MRP1/CD9 against 108 cases of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma using anti-MRP-1/CD9 monoclonal antibody M31-15, and for KAI1/CD82 against 104 cases using anti-KAI1/CD82 monoclonal antibody C33. To investigate the gradual expression of MRP-1/CD9 and KAI1/CD82, 24 oesophageal dysplasias were immunohistochemically stained using the same method and then investigated. The expression of both MRP-1/CD9 and KAI1/CD82 were positive on the cell membranes of normal oesophageal epithelial cells, but reduced or negative in the cancer cells. Reduced MRP-1/CD9 expressions significantly correlated to tumour depth (P = 0.0009). We found a significantly greater number of reduced or negative expression of MRP-1/CD9 and KAI1/CD82 in lymph node metastatic cases (P = 0.0003 and P= 0.0129, respectively), but not in distant metastatic cases. The 5-year survival rate of MRP-1/CD9-negative and reduced patients was significantly worse than those of positive patients (n = 108, curative cases, RO). Few cases remained KAI1/CD82-positive (9.6%; 10/104) in oesophageal cancer. Twenty (83.3%) and twenty-two (91.7%) cases out of 24 dysplasias were defined as KAI1/CD82-positive and MRP1/CD9-positive, respectively. The decrease in MRP-1/CD9 and KAI1/CD82 expression may facilitate lymph node metastasis in oesophageal squamous cell carcinomas. Knowing the status of the expression of MRP-1/CD9 appears helpful in predicting the prognosis for each patient.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor, matrix metalloproteinase-9 and E-cadherin in the process of lymph node metastasis in oesophageal cancer.

Lymph node metastasis is a strong independent prognostic factor for oesophageal cancer. The expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and reduction of E-cadherin correlate with lymph node metastasis of oesophageal cancer. We previously reported that the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is associated with lymph node metastasis. This study was designed to determine whether VEGF, MMP-9 and E-cadherin expression is stable or changes in the process of lymph node metastasis of oesophageal cancer. Using immunohistochemistry, we detected VEGF, MMP-9 and E-cadherin expression in paraffin-embedded specimens of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma. We classified 134 primary tumours and 174 nodal metastases using two different criteria: the absence [Group N(-)] or presence [Group N(+)] of nodal metastasis, and the stage of metastasis--Early Stage (cancer cells < 50% of lymph node) or Late Stage (> or = 50%)--and compared the expression among two groups and among two stages. The expression rates of Group N(-), Group N(+), Early Stage and Late Stage are as follows: VEGF (49%, 74%, 60%, 33%), MMP-9 (76%, 65%, 95%, 69%) and E-cadherin (49%, 24%, 55%, 38%). VEGF expression was down-regulated in Late Stage lymph node metastasis, while MMP-9 expression was elevated in Early Stage metastasis. E-cadherin expression is restored somewhat in Early Stage metastasis, but suppressed again in Late Stage metastasis. These data suggest that the expression of VEGF, MMP-9 and E-cadherin each change in the process of lymph node metastasis in oesophageal cancer, and that the patterns of change are different.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Prognostic factors of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma from the perspective of molecular biology.

Recent developments in molecular biology have revealed that several oncogenes, suppressor genes and adhesion molecules are involved in the development of oesophageal cancer; however, the role of these genes is still unknown. To evaluate which molecular biological factors are related to patients' prognosis and recurrence, we checked p53, p16, p21/Waf1, cyclin D1, Ki-67, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), Mdm2, Bcl2, E-cadherin and MRP1/CD9 by means of immunohistochemical analysis in 116 cases of oesophageal cancer (R0). We also checked the regrowth capability of the primary cultures of the resected tumours and the effect of post-operative treatment. Although univariate analysis revealed that pN (pTNM), pT (pTNM), sex, cyclin D1, Ki-67, VEGF, E-cadherin and cell regrowth capability were prognostic factors, multivariate analysis revealed that pN (risk ratio (RR) 3.17), sex (RR 8.13), cell regrowth capability (RR 3.03) and E-cadherin (RR 0.30) were prognostic factors. Interestingly, step-wise analysis revealed that the following five factors were prognostic factors: pN (RR 5.74), sex (RR 3.14), cyclin D1 (RR 2.29), E-cadherin (RR 0.26) and cell regrowth capability (RR 1.94). Logistic regression analysis revealed that the risk factors of haematogenous recurrence were pN (odds ratio (OR) 8.97), cyclin D1 (OR 4.52) and EGFR (OR 0.18). On the other hand, the risk factor of lymph node recurrence was pN (OR 5.16). With regard to the effect of postoperative treatment, post-operative radiotherapy was a favourable risk factor (RR 0.43) and reduced the haematogenous recurrence (OR 0.18). Our data indicate that combination analysis using pN, sex, cyclin D1, E-cadherin, EGFR and cell regrowth capability may be useful for the prediction of patient survival and recurrence.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

Immunohistochemical study of steroidogenic enzymes in the ovary and placenta during pregnancy in the dog.

Using the immunohistochemical technique, we attempted to identify the source of secretion of steroid hormones between the mid- and late-terms of gestation in dogs by investigating steroid converting enzymes such as cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (SCC), 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/isomerase (3 beta-HSD), 17 alpha-hydroxylase/C17, 20lyase (c17), and aromatase in the ovaries and placenta. Aromatase positive cells were slightly confirmed in luteal cells in the mid-term of gestation (day 40), whereas, in the late-stage (day 50 and 60), the number of aromatase positive cells had increased. However, the oestrogen precursor (c-17 positive cells), could barely be identified in the marginal regions of the corpora lutea (CL) and completely disappeared in the late-stage of gestation. The androgen precursors, convertase SCC and 3 beta-HSD, were confirmed in all regions of the CL during the mid-stage of gestation (day 40), showing particularly strong cell reactions in the marginal region of the CL. Yet, these positive reactions of SCC and 3 beta-HSD in the marginal region of the CL disappeared in the late-stage of gestation. Moreover, it was discovered that the number of SCC and 3 beta-HSD positive cells had decreased in all regions of the CL. None of the enzymes were detected in the placenta. The above results indicated that the source of oestrogen secretion in pregnant dogs is considered to be the CL, and that, compared with the mid-stage of gestation, there was an increased number of oestrogen synthesizing cells within the CL in the late-stage. However, the biosynthetic site of oestrogen precursors from the luteal cells during the late-stage of gestation is still unknown.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Secretion of ovarian inhibin and its physiologic roles in the regulation of follicle-stimulating hormone secretion during the estrous cycle of the female guinea pig.

To characterize inhibin secretion during the estrous cycle in guinea pigs, the concentrations of plasma inhibin, estradiol, progesterone, and FSH were determined. A significant positive correlation was observed between inhibin and estradiol throughout the estrous cycle. Plasma inhibin and estradiol started to increase a few days before ovulation (Day 0 = day of estimated ovulation), and decreased after ovulation. These two hormones remained low during the luteal phase. The immunoreactivity of inhibin alpha, betaA, and betaB subunits was colocalized in the granulosa cells of one or two healthy large follicles in the ovary before ovulation. There was no positive reaction of inhibin alpha and beta subunits in the corpora lutea or other follicles. Ovariectomy resulted in an abrupt decrease in plasma inhibin and a significant increase in plasma FSH. Injection of anti-inhibin serum into adult female guinea pigs induced an elevation in plasma FSH in a dose-dependent manner. This report presents the first description of sequential changes in plasma inhibin and estradiol during the estrous cycle of guinea pigs. Results suggest that inhibin is secreted mainly by granulosa cells of a few healthy large follicles in the ovary and that it plays an important role in the regulation of FSH secretion during the estrous cycle in guinea pigs.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

A selective increase in circulating inhibin and inhibin pro-alphaC at the time of ovulation in the mare.

The relationship between a selective increase in circulating immunoreactive (ir)-inhibin and the time of ovulation was investigated in mares. Concentrations of plasma ir-inhibin were measured every 4 h during the periovulatory period. Inhibin pro-alphaC, a precursor protein of the inhibin alpha-subunit, was also measured. The changes in ir-inhibin and inhibin pro-alphaC in circulation were parallel. Concentrations of both ir-inhibin and inhibin pro-alphaC in the plasma increased at the same time when ovulatory follicles ruptured, and the peak levels of circulating ir-inhibin and inhibin pro-alphaC were maintained for 4-8 h. There was no selective increase in plasma concentrations of estradiol-17beta during the process of ovulation. These results suggest that the selective increase in ir-inhibin and inhibin pro-alphaC was caused by the absorption of follicular fluid after the rupture of ovulatory follicles. These results also suggest that the measuring of plasma concentrations of ir-inhibin or inhibin pro-alphaC in mares might be a useful method for detecting the time of ovulation.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Regulations of gonadotropin secretion by circulating inhibin, estradiol, and progesterone in cyclic hamsters.

The physiological importance of gonadal hormones in feedback control of gonadotropin secretion during the estrous cycle in golden hamsters was investigated with immunoneutralization methods. Anti-inhibin serum (inhibin-AS) treatment always induced a drastic increase in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) secretion and occasionally raised luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion. Anti-estradiol-17beta serum (estradiol-AS) treatment increased LH secretion typically. Although estradiol-AS elevated FSH secretion occasionally, the elevation was much less than that by inhibin-AS. Plasma FSH reached ovariectomized levels by a synergistic effect of both antisera. Elevated plasma LH with both antisera was much less pronounced than in ovariectomized animals. Plasma LH increased dramatically to the levels in the ovariectomized group when antibody against progesterone (progesterone-AB) was given together with inhibin-AS and estradiol-AS, although progesterone-monoclonal antibody alone did not alter plasma gonadotropin levels. These results indicate that in hamsters FSH secretion is mainly regulated by inhibin and LH secretion is regulated by estradiol-17beta and progesterone during the estrous cycle.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Prognostic value of p27(Kip1) and CyclinD1 expression in esophageal cancer.

It has recently been reported that the reduced expression of p27(Kip1) is a negative prognostic marker in several carcinomas. In this study, we examined the expression of p27(Kip1) in esophageal squamous cell carcinomas in order to understand its prognostic role. We also examined the expression of cyclinD1, which is believed to be correlated with the prognosis. Of the 128 cases, 64 cases (50.0%) showed low grade p27(Kip1) immunostaining and 64 cases (50.0%) high grade immunostaining; there was no significant difference in survival (p = 0.0915) between the two groups. On the other hand, 51 of the 156 cases (32.7%) were classified as the high cyclinD1 group, and 105 of the 156 cases (67.3%) as the low group, thus representing prognostic significance with regard to survival (p = 0.0161). Multivariate analysis indicated that gender, lymph node metastasis and positive cyclinD1 were independent prognostic factors. Our results revealed that cyclinD1 was a significant prognostic predictor of esophageal squamous cell carcinomas, whereas p27(Kip1) was not a significant prognostic factor.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

Activator protein-2 mediates transcriptional activation of the CYP11A1 gene by interaction with Sp1 rather than binding to DNA.

The ovine P45 side chain cleavage (CYP11A1) enzyme gene, which catalyzes the initial enzymatic step in steroid hormone biosynthesis is transcriptionally regulated in cultured steroidogenic human trophoblastic JEG-3 cells. The ovine CYP11A1 promoter contains two GC-rich footprinted regions referred to as ovine footprints 5 (OF5) and OF3, which are well conserved among the CYP11A1 promoters of different species. These GC-rich sequences resemble activator protein-2 (AP-2)/Sp1 binding sites and were previously implicated in basal and cAMP-regulated activity of the bovine and ovine CYP11A1 promoters. In the current studies, AP-2 induced the ovine CYP11A1 promoter 4.5-fold in JEG-3 cells with full induction requiring the previously defined cAMP-responsive elements. Point mutation of OF3 abolished induction by AP-2, and OF3 was sufficient for induction by AP-2 when linked to a heterologous promoter. AP-2 induction of the CYP11A1 promoter required the basic region (N165-N278) and the carboxy terminus of AP-2 (N413-N437). In the course of investigating the mechanisms by which OF5 and OF3 regulated CYP11A1 transcription, we found that OF5 and OF3 bound Sp1 and Sp3 in JEG-3 cells. AP-2 did not bind OF5 or OF3 directly but rather formed a multiprotein complex with Sp1 in JEG-3 cells. AP-2 associated directly with Sp1 in vitro requiring the AP-2 basic region and the Sp1 carboxy terminus. AP-2 induced Sp1/Sp3 activity independently of AP-2 binding to DNA using a GAL4 paradigm. The Sp1 and Sp3 transactivation domains were linked to the DNA-binding domain of GAL4, and their activity was assessed using a luciferase reporter gene containing only the GAL4 DNA-binding sites linked to the minimal TATA site. AP-2 induced Sp1/ Sp3-GAL4 activity 3- to 4-fold, requiring both the amino and extreme carboxy terminus of AP-2. We conclude that AP-2 can bind to and stimulate Sp1 activity and induces the ovine CYP11A1 promoter through conserved Sp1/Sp3-binding sites in JEG-3 cells. The induction of Sp1 activity by AP-2 may contribute to the induction of other genes that bind Sp1.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Characteristics of cardiovascular morphology and function in the high-normal subset of hypertension defined by JNC-VI recommendations.

A cross-sectional study was conducted to compare the morphological and functional characteristics of the cardiovascular system among subgroups of hypertension defined by the JNC-VI recommendations. One hundred and sixteen subjects (normotensives and unmedicated hypertensives: 49+/-10 yr) were classified into 4 groups based on the criteria of JNC-VI: normotensive (NOR: n = 38), high-normal blood pressure (HN: n = 16), stage 1 hypertensive (SI: n = 28), and stage 2 to 3 hypertensive (SII-III: n = 34). Ultrasonographic examinations of the heart and carotid artery were performed in all subjects, and the following parameters were obtained: left ventricular mass index (LVMI), relative wall thickness at end-diastole (RWTd), cardiac diastolic function (A/E), common carotid artery diameter (CAD), intimal media thickness of the common carotid artery (IMT), and distensibility of the common carotid artery (Distens). RWTd, A/E, and IMT in SI (RWTd, 0.41+/-0.07; A/E, 1.21+/-0.41; IMT, 0.69+/-0.17 mm) and SII-III patients (0.40+/-0.08, 1.38+/-0.33, 0.80+/-0.21 mm) were larger than those in NOR patients (0.33+/-0.03, 0.86+/-0.21, 0.56+/-0.10 mm) (p < .01). Furthermore, LVMI in SII-III (135.5+/-35.5 g/m2) patients was larger than that in NOR patients (99.4+/-17.5 g/m2) (p < .05). RWTd in HN patients (0.37+/-0.06) was significantly higher than that in NOR patients (p < .05). A/E tended to be larger in HN than in NOR patients (p < 0.1). In the normotensives, no significant difference in any of the parameters was detected between those with optimal (n = 19) and normal (n = 19) blood pressure. Thus, both morphological and functional changes were associated with elevation of blood pressure. Cardiac morphological adaptation and functional impairment were present even in subjects with high-normal blood pressure level, while there were no significant differences between the normal and optimal subsets.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Morphological features of the spermatic cord in the musk shrew (Suncus murinus) with special reference to extratesticular Leydig cells.

Morphological features of the testicular artery and vein in the spermatic cord of the musk shrew (Suncus murinus) were evaluated by light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, corrosion cast technique combined with scanning electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry. The vascular architecture in the spermatic cord of the musk shrew was simple. The testicular artery in the musk shrew was straight and accompanied by 1 to 3 branches of testicular vein. The testicular vein was also straight and anastomosed with each other in some points along its length, but it did not form a delicate pampiniform plexus. In the middle and distal portions of the spermatic cord, the tunica adventitia of the artery and vein was joined together to form a single connective tissue septum. Clusters of cells were found in this connective tissue septum in the middle portion of the cord. These cells were located close to the arterial wall and nerve endings, but they did not appear inside of neurium. They showed several typical characteristics similar to Leydig cells, and they were positive for 3beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD) antibody. Ultrastructural and immunohistochemical studies also indicated that the cells in cluster found in the vascular wall of the musk shrew spermatic cord may be equivalent to Leydig cells in testes. These extratesticular Leydig cells had characteristics of the active steroid-producing cell and seemed to be another source of testosterone.

3-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗
PubMed1999

Effects of anabolic steroid (19-nortestosterone) on the secretion of testicular hormones in the stallion.

The aim of this study was to clarify the effect of anabolic steroids on the testicular endocrine function of mature stallions. Mature thoroughbred stallions were treated with 800 mg nandrolone decanoate every 3 weeks for 3 months. After the first treatment, plasma concentrations of LH, immunoreactive inhibin and testosterone decreased rapidly to the nadir. These hormones were maintained at significantly lower concentrations compared with concentrations in intact stallions. Histology of the testicular tissue indicated the arrest of advanced spermatogenesis in the seminiferous tubules and a severe depletion of the number of Leydig cells in the interstitial compartment as a result of treatment. Most of the immunopositive cells for the inhibin alpha-subunit and steroidogenesis enzymes in the interstitial compartment decreased below detectable amounts, whereas immunopositive reactions of inhibin alpha-subunit in the seminiferous tubules were clearly observed. In conclusion, the treatment of mature stallions with nandrolone decanoate caused a decrease in the secretion of ir-inhibin and testosterone from the testis, the depletion of the number of Leydig cells and a decrease below detectable amounts of inhibin alpha-subunit and steroidogenesis enzymes. The concentration of ir-inhibin in the peripheral blood may be a useful marker for the examination of testicular activity in stallions being treated with anabolic steroids.

3-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗
PubMed1999

Secretion of inhibin A, inhibin B and inhibin pro-alphaC during the oestrous cycle of the golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus).

Plasma concentrations of inhibin pro-alphaC, inhibin A and inhibin B were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at 6 h intervals throughout the 4-day oestrous cycle of the golden hamster. Plasma concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and oestradiol-17beta were also measured by radioimmunoassay during the oestrous cycle. Plasma concentrations of inhibin A increased from the early morning of day 1 (day 1=day of ovulation) and reached plateau levels at 0500 h on day 2. An abrupt increase in plasma concentrations of inhibin A was found at 1700 h on day 4, when the preovulatory FSH surge was observed. An increase in plasma concentrations of inhibin B occurred on day 1 and reached plateau levels at 1700 h on day 1. The levels remained elevated until 0500 h on day 4 and declined gradually by 2300 h on day 4. Plasma concentrations of inhibin pro-alphaC gradually increased with some fluctuation from day 1 to 1700 h on day 4 and then declined. Significant negative relationships were noted between plasma FSH and both dimeric forms of inhibin from day 1 to day 3. Significant positive relationships were found between plasma oestradiol-17beta and inhibin A or inhibin pro-alphaC throughout the oestrous cycle. In contrast, no significant relationship was found between plasma oestradiol-17beta and inhibin B. These findings suggest that both dimeric forms of inhibin play a role in the regulation of FSH secretion during follicular development. These findings also suggest that inhibin pro-alphaC could be secreted primarily by large follicles, and early atretic follicles could also be responsible for inhibin pro-alphaC secretion. On the other hand, the secretory pattern of dimeric inhibins might shift from inhibin B to inhibin A with follicular development.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Sickness absence due to mental disorders in Japanese workforce.

This study was conducted to elucidate sickness absence due to mental disorders in Japanese companies. Data on sickness absence taken for seven consecutive days or more at eight companies (total number of employees: 44,816) was used for the analysis. Diagnosis of mental disorders was based on medical certificates prepared by physicians. The frequency of absence due to all diseases and mental disorders was 3.0% and 0.3%, respectively. The proportion of frequency absence due to mental disorders compared to that for all diseases was 9.4%. Figures for absence prevalence were almost the same as those for frequency absence. The average length of absence due to mental disorders and non-mental disorders was 119.5 days and 47.3 days, respectively. Rate of absence days due to mental disorders compared to that for all diseases was 21.0%. Percent of sickness absenteeism was 0.4%. In one company, the proportion of frequency absence and rate of absence days due to mental disorders compared to those for all diseases had an increasing tendency over the last six years.

Absenteeism↗
PubMed1999

Functional capacity of the cirrhotic liver after partial hepatectomy in the rat.

BACKGROUND: Posthepatectomy liver insufficiency is one of the most serious problems associated with a major hepatic resection, especially in the cirrhotic liver, which has less functional reserve than the normal liver. Evaluation of morphologic liver regeneration is important in cirrhotic rats, as well as in the normal liver, and assessment of functional capacity in cirrhosis is clinically important for preventing hepatic insufficiency of the remnant liver after hepatectomy. METHODS: We evaluated the functional capacity of the cirrhotic liver induced by carbon tetrachloride in rats and studied the correlation between morphologic and functional restoration of the liver after partial hepatectomy in comparison with healthy rats. Morphologic restoration of the liver after hepatectomy was evaluated on the basis of remnant liver weight, proliferating cell nuclear antigen labeling index, and the DNA content of the regenerating liver. Functional restoration was evaluated by the indocyanine green disappearance rate and serum aminopyrine clearance. RESULTS: Morphologic restoration in cirrhotic rats was delayed in comparison with healthy rats. Although functional capacity in the cirrhotic rats was diminished, functional restoration was advanced after a two-thirds hepatectomy, in comparison with morphologic restoration. CONCLUSIONS: Functional restoration in cirrhotic rats after partial hepatectomy is advanced in comparison with morphologic restoration.

Animals↗