ISSN:
1437-773X
Keywords:
Key words pHGF
;
HGF
;
Acute liver injury
;
Ultrastructure
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract The protective effect of hepatocyte growth-promoting factor (pHGF) against CCl4-induced acute hepatitis in rats was examined by light and electron microscopy. Hepatocyte growth-promoting factor, purified from infant pig liver in an active form, has been used clinically in patients with hepatitis in China. Four hours after administration of CCl4, a single dose of pHGF was administered intraperitoneally. Six hours after administration of CCl4, inhibition of CCl4-induced hepatic necrosis and hepatocytes with severely dilated endoplasmic reticula were evident in rats treated with pHGF. At 48 h post administration, most hepatocytes had recovered, and not only mitotic hepatocytes (10–13 mitotic cells/100) but also mitotic Kupffer cells were observed. At 72 h, it was evident that the differentiation of hepatic stellate cells (Ito cell) into myofibroblast-like cells and the development of fibrosis around the central veins was prevented by pHGF. These results suggested that (1) pHGF may stabilize cell membranes, (2) pHGF acts as a mitogen not only for hepatocytes but also for Kupffer cells, and (3) pHGF prevents fibrogenesis in the case of CCl4-induced liver injury by preventing the differentiation of hepatic stellate cells.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s007950050026
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