Open AccessPlasminogen mediates liver regeneration and angiogenesis after experimental partial hepatectomy
Author(s) -
Drixler T. A.,
Vogten J. M.,
Gebbink M. F. B. G.,
Carmeliet P.,
Voest E. E.,
Borel Rinkes I. H. M.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
british journal of surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.202
H-Index - 201
eISSN - 1365-2168
pISSN - 0007-1323
DOI - 10.1002/bjs.4275
Subject(s) - angiogenesis , liver regeneration , hepatectomy , medicine , plasminogen activator , regeneration (biology) , neovascularization , endocrinology , microvessel , pathology , biology , surgery , microbiology and biotechnology , resection
Background Plasmin system components are upregulated after partial hepatectomy, but their contribution to surgery‐induced hepatic angiogenesis and regeneration is unclear. Liver regeneration and angiogenesis after partial hepatectomy were examined in mice lacking plasminogen or urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA). Methods Mice with a single‐gene deletion of plasminogen or uPA were subjected to 70 per cent partial hepatectomy. Liver regeneration was measured as relative liver weight and cell proliferation index. Angiogenesis was quantified by determining hepatic microvessel density after staining for sinusoidal endothelial cells. Results The liver remnant weight was significantly reduced in mice lacking plasminogen or uPA compared with that in wild‐type mice on days 2 and 7 after partial hepatectomy. This correlated with impaired cell proliferation. In wild‐type mice, regeneration was accompanied by a significant increase in microvessel density after hepatectomy; this increase was impaired in plasminogen‐deficient mice. Conclusion Plasminogen and uPA are essential for optimal liver regeneration. In addition, plasminogen appears to be a major determinant in regeneration‐associated hepatic angiogenesis. Copyright © 2003 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.