ABSTRACT
Objective To research the effect of exogenous estradiol(E-2) on transcriptional activity of regenerating hepatocytes in rats. Methods The E-2 levels in serum were measured using RIA and the numbers of argyrophil nucleolar organizer regions(AgNORs) were investigated. Results Rat serum E-2 level gradually declined after ovariectomy,and no E-2 could be measured after the 15th day.Exogenous E-2 could promote transcriptional activity of regenerating rat hepatocytes,particularly during the first 24h after PH,there was a dose-dependent increase in numbers of AgNORs 24-36h after PH,the exogenous E-2 cause a dose-dependent decrease in numbers of AgNORs,but all of the values were higher than that of control group.Conclusion E-2 can regulate the transcriptional activity of regenerating hepatocytes in rats.