Aim: To investigate the effects of hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO) on regeneration of the biliary ductal system and postoperative cholestasis in hepatectomized rats.
Methods: HBO was performed in Wistar rats daily starting 12 h after a 70% partial hepatectomy. Regenerated liver weight, serum parameters and the proliferating cell nuclear antigen labeling index of hepatocytes and biliary ductal cells were measured. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), c-Met and transforming growth factor (TGF) β-1 mRNA expression levels were analyzed by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.
Results: HBO improved the postoperative serum levels of total bile acid but not transaminase levels. HBO promoted hepatocyte and biliary ductal cell proliferation. The hematoxylin and eosin-stained specimens revealed fewer ballooned hepatocytes and higher cell densities in the HBO group compared to the control group. HBO suppressed c-Met mRNA levels at 15 h but did not modulate HGF or TGF β-1 mRNA expression levels.
Conclusion: HBO promoted regeneration of biliary ductal cells and improved postoperative cholestasis after a partial hepatectomy.
Keywords: Ballooning; Cholestasis; Hyperbaric oxygenation; Liver regeneration; Partial hepatectomy.