SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “HEPATECTOMY”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 829 records · Page 46Linked to original sources

PubMed2004

Mechanism of liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy using mouse cDNA microarray.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The liver has the capacity to regenerate after partial hepatectomy. In order to clarify the mechanism of liver regeneration, we observed the initial stage, especially the mechanism of gene expression during progress from G0 to S phase (0-24 h), and attempted to identify new genes controlling progress to the S phase. METHODS: We applied large-scale gene expression analysis with complementary DNA microarrays in mouse hepatectomy models to clarify the mechanism of liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy. RESULTS: As a result, 23 new immediate-early gene candidates such as interleukin-1 receptor associated kinase-1 and karyopherin alpha-1, which are involved in transportation within the nucleus, were discovered. Candidates for new genes concerned with the progress to the S phase were discovered: inhibitor of DNA binding 2 (ID2) and inhibitor of DNA binding 3 (ID3), both new liver regeneration factors that promoted progress to the S phase, and GADD45 gamma (growth arrest and DNA-damage-inducible protein) as a factor inhibiting that process. CONCLUSIONS: The above results not only suggest the importance of NFkappaB in the initial stage of liver regeneration but also points to the orderly maintenance of the proliferation of the cells in liver regeneration.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Subtotal hepatectomy: a porcine model for the study of liver regeneration.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to devise a simple, reproducible method of subtotal hepatectomy in a large animal model. Such an experimental model could be useful in the investigation of liver regeneration and liver insufficiency after partial hepatectomy. Equally, this technique could be used for assessing the effect of artificial liver support systems on both liver function and regeneration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty pigs were subjected to either 70-80% liver resection (n = 11), or 85-90% liver resection (n = 9), using a simplified technique. RESULTS: Most tolerated the procedure well and showed restoration of full liver volume within 3 weeks. Three animals in the 90% resection group died with significantly raised levels of International Normalized Ratio (INR) and ammonia. CONCLUSIONS: These two techniques have been shown to be easily reproducible and well tolerated by the animals and allow easy assessment of liver function and regeneration in the postoperative period. The deaths in the 90% resection group supports the hypothesis that 90% partial hepatectomy represents a model of critical residual liver parenchyma.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Cyclin expression in the atrophying and proliferating lobes of the liver after portal vein branch ligation and hepatectomy in rats.

BACKGROUND: Portal vein branch ligation causes atrophy of the portal vein ligated lobes (PVL) and proliferation of the nonligated lobes (PVNL) of the liver. However, the mechanisms underlying atrophy of the PVL and proliferation of PVNL after portal vein branch ligation have not been clarified except that interleukin-6 (IL-6), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), and immediate-early gene expression are similarly induced in both the PVL and the PVNL. Thus, it is still unclear what factors cause the subsequent atrophy and proliferation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male Wistar rats were randomly separated into a portal vein branch ligation group and partial hepatectomy group. In the portal vein branch ligation group, the branch of portal vein supplying the median and left lateral lobes of the liver was ligated. In the partial hepatectomy group, the correspondent lobes of the liver were excised. We examined cyclin expression in the PVL and PVNL after portal vein branch ligation in comparison to cyclin expression in the remaining liver (HEP) after partial hepatectomy. Cyclin D1, E, and A mRNA and protein expressions were analyzed by RT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively. RESULTS: The mRNA and protein expressions of cyclin D1 and A were not up-regulated in the PVL, whereas those in the PVNL and HEP were up-regulated. Cyclin D1 mRNA and protein expressions were significantly lower in the PVL than in the PVNL and HEP at 18 h. The levels of mRNA and protein expression of cyclin A were significantly lower in the PVL than in the PVNL and HEP at 36 h. Liver regeneration, assessed by the relative liver weight, thymidine incorporation into DNA, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) labeling index was delayed significantly in the PVNL compared to that in the HEP. Cyclin D1 mRNA and protein expressions were significantly lower in the PVNL than in the HEP at 12 and 18 h, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Cell-cycle progression might be inhibited at G(1)-phase accompanied by impaired cyclin D1 expression in the PVL, which results in atrophy. The fact that liver proliferation of the PVNL is delayed in comparison to that of the HEP is likely due to delayed expression of cyclin D1.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Expression of anti-apoptotic protein, Bcl-2, in liver regeneration after a partial hepatectomy.

BACKGROUND: Although Bcl-2 is well known to have anti-apoptotic activities in vitro and in vivo, the role of Bcl-2 relating to liver regeneration remains controversial. The aim of this study was to document the effect of Bcl-2 expression on liver regeneration in rats undergoing a partial hepatectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Adult male Wistar rats (n = 4/group) at 72 h before undergoing a 70% partial hepatectomy (PH) were administered 1 x 10(9) plaque-forming units of adenovirus vector encoding either human Bcl-2 (group 1) or LacZ (group 2) intravenously and were sacrificed at 0, 12 h, and at 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, and 21 days postoperatively. In group 3, normal saline was injected instead of adenovirus vector. Liver regeneration was monitored by measuring the restituted liver mass and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunostaining. The incidence of apoptosis in the liver was analyzed by the immunohistochemical detection of single-stranded DNA at 14 and 21 days postoperatively. RESULTS: The restituted liver mass showed significantly higher values in group 1 (26.1 +/- 7.2%) than in group 2 (14.7 +/- 6.8%) and 3 (13.6 +/- 5.0%) at 1 day after PH (P < 0.05). The PCNA labeling index was significantly higher in group 1 (47.2 +/- 9.9%) than in groups 2 (19.0 +/- 7.8%) and 3 (19.2 +/- 15.2%) at 1 day after a partial hepatectomy (P < 0.05). The hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) mRNA expression was significantly lower in group 1 than in group 2 at 12 h after PH (P < 0.05). The number of single-stranded DNA-positive cells decreased significantly more in group 1 (5.67 +/- 1.53 positive cells/10 fields per tissue) than those in group 2 (18.33 +/- 7.57 positive cells/10 fields per tissue) at 14 days after PH. CONCLUSIONS: These results thus indicated that an overexpression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 does not necessarily have an anti-apoptotic effect on liver regeneration but appears to have a pro-proliferative effect in the early phase of liver regeneration.

Adenoviridae↗

PubMed2006

Implication of B lymphocytes in endotoxin-induced hepatic injury after partial hepatectomy in rats.

BACKGROUND: Lymphocyte population constitutes major defense mechanism against endotoxemia, but the role of B lymphocytes in endotoxin-induced hepatic injury after hepatectomy is not clear. METHODS: We used lymphopenic (L(-)) rats by single administration of anti-rat lymphocyte serum, nu/nu athymic (T(-)) rats, B cell-ablated (B(-))rats by intermittent injection of anti-immunoglobulin (Ig) micro-chain from birth, and their vehicle controls. These animals were subjected to two-thirds hepatectomy with subsequent intravenous lipopolysaccharides (LPS, 1.5 mg/kg) administration. The survival rate, plasma alanine transaminase (ALT), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and IgM levels, and total hemolytic activity (CH50) were determined. Hepatic tissue deposition of IgM or C3 was assessed with immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The 24-h survival rate in control animals was 20%, whereas those in L(-), T(-), and B (-) animals were 80, 0, and 100%, respectively. Lymphocyte-sufficient control (L(+)) and B cell-sufficient control (B(+)) animals showed a rapid elevation of plasma TNF-alpha levels 1 h after the challenge, followed by an increase in plasma ALT levels. In B(+) group, plasma IgM levels were increased and CH50 activities were decreased 4 h after LPS injection with significant difference compared to those at time 0. Liver histology showed massive hepatic necrosis with a dense accumulation of IgM and C3 deposits 4 h after LPS administration. B cell ablation significantly ameliorated plasma ALT, IgM, and CH50 levels, showing less histological liver damage. CONCLUSION: B lymphocytes susceptible to LPS might be implicated in the development of endotoxin-induced hepatic injury after partial hepatectomy.

Alanine Transaminase↗

PubMed2005

Usefulness of granular BCAA after hepatectomy for liver cancer complicated with liver cirrhosis.

OBJECTIVE: Nutritional disturbances such as ascites and hypoalbuminemia frequently arise after hepatectomy for liver cancer with liver cirrhosis. We examined the possibility of maintaining a favorable state of nutrition by outpatient administration of branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) granules. METHODS: Forty-three patients who had gross liver cirrhosis complicated by liver cancer and underwent surgery up to May 2002 were given BCAA granules (n = 21, BCAA group) or no granules (n = 22, control group). RESULTS: 1) Background details such as age, sex, surgical technique, blood loss, and duration of surgery showed no significant differences. 2) Among objective findings, improvement of ascites and edema tended to occur sooner in the BCAA group, but without a significant difference. 3) Although serum albumin recovered its preoperative value 9 mo after surgery in the control group, only 6 mo was required for recovery in the BCAA group. Total protein showed similar changes, but neither group showed any difference in changes of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine transferase, or platelets. 4) One year postoperatively, the change from the preoperative indocyanine green retention rate at 15 min after intravenous administration tended to be worse in the control group, but not significantly so. 5) In the BCAA group, hyaluronic acid and type IV collagen 7S improved significantly sooner than in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: BCAA supplementation after hepatectomy promotes rapid improvement in protein metabolism and inhibits progression to liver cirrhosis. Administration of BCAA after hepatectomy is considered beneficial to a patient's nutritional state.

Aged↗

PubMed2005

Results of 132 hepatectomies for living donor liver transplantation: report of one death.

AIMS: Liver transplant is the primary therapy for patients with end-stage liver disease. Its high success rates have lead to a broadening of the indications for liver transplantation, resulting in an increasing shortage of donors. Living donor liver transplantation has become an option to overcome waiting list mortality. We describe our experience with hepatectomy for living donor liver transplantation and report a case of death. METHODS: Patients (n = 132) underwent hepatectomy for living donor liver transplantation from June 2000 through June 2004. A 4-phase preoperative evaluation was performed on all patients, whose ages ranged from 13 to 54 years (mean = 29.7 +/- 8.1 years). Of the 132 patients, 76 patients (57.5%) underwent left lateral segmentectomy, 33 patients (25%) underwent left lobectomy, and 23 patients (16%) underwent right hepatectomy. In 2 other patients (1.5%), a monosegment (segment II) was obtained after left lateral segmentectomy. RESULTS: Twenty patients (15%) experienced a complication, the most common being incisional hernia, pneumonia, and biliary fistulae. On the seventh postoperative day, 1 patient developed a fatal cerebral hemorrhage while recovering from mild liver dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: Although living donor liver transplantation is generally safe, serious and fatal complications may occur.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

No evidence of hematopoietic stem cell mobilization in patients submitted to hepatectomy or in patients with acute on chronic liver failure.

BACKGROUND: Liver regeneration is a heterogeneous phenomenon involving the proliferation of different cell lineages in response to injury. Under a strong positive selection pressure bone marrow derived stem cells may be involved in this process, by making a contribution to both parenchymal restoration and endothelial cell replacement. We investigate bone marrow stem cell migration to the liver in patients undergoing hepatectomy or with acute on chronic liver failure. METHODS: We enrolled 6 patients submitted to hepatectomy, 6 patients to cholecystectomy and 8 patients with acute decompensation of liver cirrhosis. Mobilization of CD34+ cells was evaluated by cytofluorimetry on peripheral blood samples at different time points; baseline, 1, 3, 7, 15 and 30 days after surgery and at admission, 1, 7 and discharge among patients with acute on chronic liver failure. 10 healthy subjects undergoing blood donation were also enrolled to evaluated the basal value of CD34+ cells. RESULTS: White blood cell counts remained in the normal range (4.1-9.8 x 10(9)/L) in all groups throughout the follow-up. In all patients of Groups 1, 2 and 3, circulating CD34+ failed to show statistically significant differences both as the absolute number and as the percentage at any time point compared to healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS: Bone marrow derived cell mobilization can not be detected after hepatectomy or during an acute decompensation on a cirrhotic liver. Under these circumstances liver regeneration can probably call upon mature hepatocytes and endogenous progenitor cells. The involvement of extrahepatic progenitors if any, is a rare and limited phenomenon.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Refined suture techniques to prevent bleeding from accidental slippage of vascular clamps during living donor hepatectomy.

Accidental slippage of vascular clamps during living donor hepatectomy can induce brisk bleeding and even imperil the donor. After practicing more than 1000 cases of living donor hepatectomy, the investigators realized that specialized suture techniques were important to secure the vascular closure to prevent unnecessary bleeding. For secure division of intrahepatic vein branches, we devised a continuous penetration suture method in which the orders of procedures were changed to clamping-closure-cut sequence. For secure division of the main and accessory hepatic vein branches from the inferior vena cava, we applied stay sutures at each corner and midpoint of the hepatic vein stump so as not to permit its slippage. After application of these methods, we did not experience any episode of accidental clamp slippage. We are sure that these suture techniques are beneficial to prevent unnecessary bleeding during living donor hepatectomy and to make surgeons feel at ease during the living donor operation.

Blood Loss, Surgical↗

PubMed2006

Liver pathology and cell proliferation after calcineurin inhibitors and antiproliferative drugs following partial hepatectomy in rats.

Immunosuppressants are the cornerstones of treatment after solid organ transplantation. This study investigated the pathology and cell proliferation following partial hepatectomy (PH) in rats undergoing immunosuppressive treatment. After 1 day, all rats were subjected to 70% PH. Groups A and B (n = 10) received calcineurin inhibitors subcutaneously: either FK506 or cyclosporine (CyA). Groups C and D (n = 10) received antiproliferative drugs: either mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) or sirolimus (SRL) by gavage. A control group (n = 5) received 1 mL of tap water daily. On postoperative day 2, all rats were sacrificed to obtain liver tissue for pathologic examination. Using immunohistochemistry we separately examined the hepatectomy surface and the liver parenchyma. In the parenchyma, the Ki-67 indices were higher in the CyA and FK506 groups and lower in the SRL and MMF groups compared with controls (P < .01). CyA had the highest and MMF the lowest values. On the hepatectomy surface, Ki-67 indices and TGF-alpha expressions were higher in the CyA group and lower in the SRL and MMF groups compared with the control group (P < .01). Slightly higher values in the FK506 group were not significantly different compared with the control group (P > .05). All groups other than FK506 showed prominent cholangiolar epithelial phenotypes compared with the control group. In the CyA and SRL groups, the number of cholangiolar cells was higher (P < .01), and in the MMF group lower than in the control group (P < .01). Among all groups, SRL had the highest values.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

[Hepatic resections for non-colorectal, non-neuroendocrine metastases. Results of 32 hepatectomies in 27 patients].

STUDY AIM: Liver resections for metastases are commonly performed in colorectal primary tumors and poorly documented in non colorectal tumors. The aim of this study was to report a series of 32 liver resections in 27 patients for different types of non colorectal, non neuroendocrine liver metastases. PATIENTS AND METHOD: From 1986 to 1997, 27 patients (20 women and 7 men, mean age: 56.8 years) were operated on in the same center for liver metastases. Initial cancer was female genital tract (ovarian and fallopian tube) adenocarcinomas (n = 5), gastrointestinal tract adenocarcinomas (n = 8), sarcomas (n = 8), and miscellaneous cancers (n = 6). Liver resections included atypical resections (n = 9), right hepatectomies (n = 11), extended right hepatectomies (n = 2), left hepatectomies (n = 4) and resections of 2 or 3 segments (n = 6). RESULTS: There was no perioperative death. Postoperative morbidity included 8 complications in seven patients, requiring reintervention in three patients. Follow-up was complete for all patients. Survival rate at one, two and five years was 59, 44 and 29% respectively. The longest median survival time was observed in genital tract adenocarcinomas (27 months), whereas the other types of malignancies had a 13- to 17-month mean survival rate. CONCLUSION: These results are almost similar to those observed in liver resections for colorectal metastases. Some carefully selected patients may benefit from liver resection for non colorectal, non neuro-endocrine metastases.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Is a proliferation index of cancer cells a reliable prognostic factor after hepatectomy in patients with colorectal liver metastases?

BACKGROUND: In spite of many reports focusing on prognostic factors after hepatectomy in patients with colorectal liver metastases, few studies have investigated pathological factors, eg, fibrous pseudocapsulation, growth pattern at the tumor margin, and proliferation activity of cancer cells, other than histological type and surgical margin. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether absence of pseudocapsulation, infiltrative growth pattern of metastases, and higher proliferation of cancer cells shown by Ki-67 immunohistochemical reactivity were associated with poorer survival after hepatectomy among patients with colorectal liver metastases. METHODS: Between 1988 and 1998, 221 patients underwent hepatic resection of colorectal metastases with curative intent in our institution. Pathology analyses were focused on pseudocapsulation of liver metastases, growth pattern at the tumor edge, and Ki-67 labelling index (Ki-67 LI) of cancer cell nuclei. Univariate analyses of survival and of disease-free survival were performed for several clinicopathological factors, and multivariate analyses of survival and disease-free survival were also performed. RESULTS: The univariate survival analyses showed that pseudocapsulation, growth pattern, and Ki-67 LI were significant prognostic factors, besides synchronous versus metachronous occurrence of metastases, carcinoembryonic antigen level before hepatectomy, and number of metastases. A multivariate analysis showed that Ki-67 labeling index was the most reliable prognostic factor of survival. In addition, Ki-67 LI and microscopic growth pattern were multivariately predictive factors of disease-free survival. CONCLUSIONS: This large single-institution study showed that investigation of cancer cell proliferation and pathologic characteristics of the tumor margin are major prognostic factors.

Analysis of Variance↗

PubMed2001

A simple technique for vascular control during hepatectomy: the half-Pringle.

BACKGROUND: Hemorrhage during hepatectomy remains the major cause of morbidity and mortality associated with this surgery. Traditionally, a Pringle technique is employed to reduce vascular inflow during parenchymal transection. METHODS: This paper describes a simple method to achieve unilateral vascular control during hepatic surgery. The technique has been used in the most recent 10 hepatectomies performed in this unit. RESULTS: During the hepatectomies, the pattern of vascular inflow was documented with a series of color Doppler images. These images illustrated the effectiveness of the maneuver.

Blood Loss, Surgical↗

PubMed2003

An attempt to clarify indications for hepatectomy for liver metastases from breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Liver metastases (LM) from breast cancer are generally considered as disseminated disease with a poor prognosis. However in selected patients hepatectomy may be an important adjunct to systemic treatment. METHODS: Fifty-four breast cancer patients (mean age 49.2 +/- 5.2 years) with LM as the sole site of metastatic disease (except for bone metastases in 3 patients) underwent hepatectomy between 1986 and 2000. The mean number of LM was 4.0 +/- 8. All patients presented either a stable disease or an objective response to chemotherapy. The last 25 patients also underwent hepatic artery catheter installation in order to receive postoperative hepatic artery infusion chemotherapy (HAIC). RESULTS: The postoperative morbidity was 12.9%. There was no postoperative mortality. R0 and R1-R2 resections were obtained in, respectively, 81.5% and 18.5% of patients. After a median follow-up of 32 months the median survival was 34 +/- 9 months, with 3- and 5-year overall survival rates of 50% and 34%, and 3- and 5-year disease-free survival rates of 42% and 22%, respectively. The number of LM, the presence of hilar lymph nodes (33%), and the completeness of resection had no significant prognostic impact. The only factor influencing survival in both the univariate and multivariate analysis was the hormone receptor status (P = 0.03): the relative risk of death was increased by 3.5-fold when negative. In the HAIC group, the liver recurrence rate decreased from 60.5% to 31.2% without any impact on global survival. CONCLUSIONS: Hepatectomy is beneficial for selected patients with isolated LM. Indications should be based more on technical (low operative risk, probable R0 resection) than on oncologic criteria. The decision is simple for young patients but more difficult for older patients in whom a negative hormone receptor status appears to be a contraindication.

Adult↗

PubMed1988

Effect of cyclosporin A on hepatocyte proliferation after partial hepatectomy in rats: comparison with standard immunosuppressive agents.

The effects of cyclosporin A on the regenerating liver were studied in rats after partial hepatectomy and were compared with those of conventional immunosuppressants such as methylprednisolone and azathioprine. In Group I, a standard hepatectomy removing two thirds of the organ was performed. In Group II, an oral dose of 10 mg/kg of cyclosporin A was given 1 day before and immediately, 24 hours, and 48 hours after the same hepatectomy. In Groups III and IV, azathioprine and methylprednisolone were administered in 8 mg/kg doses by way of the tail vein by the same protocol as in Group II. The mortality rate, liver weight restoration, and histologic and mitotic characteristics of the liver remnants, as well as serum levels of animotransferase, total bilirubin, and creatinine were examined from 24 hours to 10 days after the operation. Azathioprine and methylprednisolone substantially suppressed hepatocyte mitosis when compared with the control group; however, cyclosporin A treatment did not inhibit, but may, in fact, have stimulated liver cell proliferation. Changes in other parameters coincided with this phenomenon. The noninhibitory effect of cyclosporin A on liver regeneration has also been discussed.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

[Laparoscopic hepatectomy].

AIM: To report the current indications and techniques of laparoscopic liver resections, and assess the results of this technique by reviewing international literature. REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE: About 200 laparoscopic hepatectomies have been reported from 1991 to 2001. 102 resections were performed for malignant tumours, and 84 for benign tumours. Global conversion rate was 7% (13/186). Morbidity rate was 16.1% with two cases of possible gas embolisms (1.1%). Mortality rate was 0.54% (1/186 patients). Mean hospital stay was 7.7 days. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic hepatectomy is feasible, with a morbidity and mortality rate comparable to open procedures according to a careful selection of patients. However, prospective randomized trials are still needed to confirm those results, especially for resection of metastasis or malignant tumors. Evolution of laparoscopic hepatectomies will probably depend on the development of new techniques and instrumentations.

Hepatectomy↗

PubMed1997

Induction of hepatocyte proliferation after partial hepatectomy is accompanied by a markedly reduced expression of phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyltransferase-2.

Expression of phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PEMT)-2 in rat hepatoma cells caused an increase in the time for cell division from 18 to 50 h [Cui et al. (1994) J. Biol. Chem. 269, 24531-24533]. We investigated whether or not a similar inverse relationship might exist for liver proliferation in vivo. Thus, partial hepatectomized rats were used to investigate the expression of PEMT2 during liver regeneration. Enhanced biosynthesis of phosphatidylcholine after partial hepatectomy was due to increased activity and amount of CTP:phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase. On the other hand the total activity of PEMT was markedly decreased during the first days of rat liver regeneration. Maximal decrease of total PEMT activity (45%) and loss of PEMT2 protein (90%) coincided with maximal DNA synthesis and CTP:phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase activity 24 h after partial hepatectomy in both male and female rats. Supplementing dietary choline in the diets of female rats shifted this pattern from 24 h to 36 h after partial hepatectomy, whereas the pattern in male rats was not affected. Northern blot studies showed that the amount of PEMT2 mRNA was decreased accordingly, suggesting regulation of the amount and activity of PEMT2 at a pre-translational level. Thus, our data show a reciprocal regulation of CTP:phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase and PEMT2 at the level of gene expression in regenerating rat liver. These results implicate PEMT2 in the regulation of hepatocyte cell growth in a physiologically relevant model.

Animals↗

PubMed1975

Effects of the liver homogenate obtained following partial hepatectomy on cirrhosis of the liver.

The authors studied the influence of liver homogenates as a whole and collected at various intervals after partial hepatectomy on cirrhosis of the liver. The lyophilized homogenates were administered over a period of 6 weeks to various groups of albino rats pretreated with CCl4 for a period of 6 months. The normal liver homogenate did not influence the histological and biochemical picture of the hepatocirrhosis. The material collected 48 hours after partial hepatectomy causes a moderate stimulation of the mechanisms of parenchymatous regeneration. 7 days after partial hepatectomy (in the postmitotic period) the hepatic regenerate shows a biological effect with lysis of collagen fibres and protection of parenchymatous cells.

Alanine Transaminase↗