Prostaglandin E₁ Improves Survival Rate After 95% Hepatectomy in Rats

Background/Aim

Prostaglandin E₁ (PGE₁) has a wide-ranging effect on cytoprotection. Overproduction of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) in the liver protects hepatocytes under various pathologic conditions. In this study, we examined the effect of a nontoxic HSP-inducer, PGE₁, on acute liver failure after 95% hepatectomy in rats.

Methods

PGE₁ or vehicle was intravenously administered to rats 30 min before and during hepatectomy.

Results

Nine of 30 rats pretreated with PGE₁ survived, whereas all 20 rats pretreated with vehicle died within 96 h after operation. During the 24-h postoperative period, PGE₁ significantly suppressed the release of alanine aminotransferase and elevation of hyaluronic acid. Histological examination showed that the vacuolized hepatocytes and round hepatocytes with pyknotic nuclei are frequently seen in rats pretreated with vehicle, whereas active regeneration is seen in rats pretreated with PGE₁. During the first 24 h after surgery, HSP70 induction was absent in the residual livers of vehicle-treated rats. In contrast, PGE₁ stimulated the HSP accumulation within 24 h, and viable hepatocytes contained abundant HSP70 in their nuclei.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that PGE₁ may prevent acute liver failure after massive hepatectomy, at least in part, by enhancing HSP70 production in the residual liver.

Key Words: prostaglandin E₁ (PGE₁), liver failure, heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), massive hepatectomy