RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Liver transplantation is an effective treatment for irreversible liver diseases. The incidence of hepatic artery thrombosis remains high. Our objective was to analyze the effect of ligature of the hepatic artery on liver regeneration in a growing animal model. METHODS: Seventy-five male Wistar rats were divided into the following 3 groups: group 1 (sham, G1): incision without intervention; group 2 (G2): 70% hepatectomy; group 3 (G3): 70% hepatectomy and ligation of the hepatic artery. Preceding the 70% hepatectomy, a hepatic artery ligature was performed with resection of a segment of the artery. The liver specimens were stained with hematoxylin-eosin, and immunohistochemical staining for Ki-67 was performed. The expression of the interleukin (IL) 6 gene was studied by means of reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: G2 and G3 demonstrated similar tendencies toward an increase in the gain weight ratio over time. The mitotic activity was significantly lower at 72 hours in G3 than in G2. There was no difference between Ki-67 staining between G2 and G3. The expression of the IL-6 gene was present in all of the groups, lower in G1, with no difference between G2 and G3. CONCLUSIONS: The experimental model was feasible and adequate for these investigations. Hepatectomy stimulated hepatocyte proliferation, and the obstruction of the arterial flow did not affect liver regeneration.
