ABSTRACT
Background: The liver is the main site where most of glucose metabolic processes take place. It is suspected that partial hepatectomy will alter the glucose homeostasis, so it is mandatory to study the effect of partial hepatectomy on the glucose metabolism. Introduction: the liver exerts multiple complex metabolic functions. Partial hepatectomy, reduces the functioning liver cell mass. The body responds to surgery both locally and generally. The general one includes endocrinal and metabolic response
Aim of the Work: To determine the effect of partial hepatectomy on the glucose metabolism, by performing Glucose tolerance curve
Materials and Methods: 32 rats were included in this work, divided into 4 groups, 8 rats per each [5 were subjected to actual resection and 3 were subjected to sham operation]. First group: glucose tolerance curve [GTC] was done 24 hours after hepatectomy, 2[nd] group the GTC was done 48 hours after hepatectomy, 3[rd] group the GTC was done 72 hours after hepatectomy, and 4[th] group the GTC was done 96 hours after hepatectomy. Two blood samples were taken, pre-operative and post-operative, for determination of blood sugar and liver enzymes. For determination of the GTC, blood glucose was determined 4 times: at [0] time fasting sample, then [1/2 an hour] after an oral glucose meal then at [1 1/2 hours] and at [2 1/2 hours]
Results: There was weight loss in the post-operative period in various groups, that was minimal [8 grams] in the 1[st] group, and maximal [13 grams] in the 4[th] group. The resected segments varied from 30% to 60% of the whole liver mass. The mean liver weight was 3.67% of the whole body weight. In the P.O. period there was elevation of the ALT and AST, which was greater in the 1[st] group and least in the 4[th] group. There was low grade hyperglycemia, and the blood glucose level failed to return to baseline, 2 1/2 hours after the oral meal, in all groups. There were slight changes in the level of the B. sugar between various groups and between the individuals of each group, but not to the significant level
Conclusion: There was postoperative glucose intolerance manifested by low grade hyperglycemia in the early postoperative period with mild diabetic curve despite the reduced functional liver cell mass