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Focal liver necrosis appears early after partial hepatectomy and is dependent on T cells and antigen delivery from the gut
Author(s) -
Rudich Noam,
Zamir Gideon,
Pappo Orit,
Shlomai Zipora,
Faroja Muhamad,
Weiss Ido D.,
Wald Hanna,
Galun Eithan,
Peled Am,
Wald Ori
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
liver international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.873
H-Index - 110
eISSN - 1478-3231
pISSN - 1478-3223
DOI - 10.1111/j.1478-3231.2009.02048.x
Subject(s) - necrosis , liver injury , hepatocyte , immune system , lipopolysaccharide , antigen , liver transplantation , biology , immunology , transplantation , pathology , medicine , endocrinology , biochemistry , in vitro
Progressive liver failure may develop following removal of a large part of the liver or transplantation of a small for size liver graft. The pathophysiology of this clinical syndrome is only partially understood. Methods: We assessed liver damage and hepatocyte 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation following partial hepatectomy (PH) in C57BL/6, BALB/C and immune‐deficient mice. Hepatic lymphocyte subpopulations were characterized. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment and bowel decontamination determined the role of gut antigens. Results: Discrete, round necrotic lesions were observed as early as 2 h following 70%, but not 30% PH. In immune competent mice the extent of hepatocyte necrosis inversely correlated with BrdU incorporation. T, natural killer and natural killer T cells were recruited to the liver early after PH; however, only T‐cell depletion abrogated hepatic necrosis. Hepatic injury was significantly reduced in non‐obese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient mice undergoing PH, while BrdU incorporation was not affected. Liver injury was augmented by LPS injection and reduced by gut decontamination. Conclusions: A distinct pattern of early focal hepatic necrosis is observed following extensive PH in mice. T cells infiltrating the liver immediately after PH and gut‐derived antigens are indispensable for the observed liver necrosis and may thus provide therapeutic targets to ameliorate liver damage following PH.