Objective: To study the mechanism by which AG490 improves the survival rate of rats following extensive liver resection.
Methods: Thirty-eight rats were randomly divided into two groups after surgery: control group (n=10), without treatment; (2) AG490 group (n=28), with AG490 (1 mg x kg(-1) x 12 h(-1)) administrated intraperitoneally immediately and 36 hours after the operation. The survival rate was observed and the serum liver functions were measured.
Results: The survival rates of control group and AG490 group were 0% and 25%. AG490 group had significantly better blood glucose and aminotransferase levels (P < 0.05) than control group; serum bilirubin levels significantly decreased 48 hours after the operation. Serum protein levels in both two groups had slow decrease but without statistical significance (P > 0.05).
Conclusions: AG490 can significantly increase the survival rate of rats following extensive liver resection. Such a benefit mainly results from the protection towards residual liver function rather than from the promotion of liver regeneration.