Liver Progenitor Cells Activated After 30% Small-for-Size Liver Transplantation in Rats: A Preliminary Study

AimTo explore whether liver progenitor cells were activated after 30% small-for-size liver transplantation in rats.Methods200 rats were arranged in three groups: 70% partial hepatectomy (PH), whole liver transplantation (WLT), and 30% liver transplantation (SLT) group. On days 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 after operation, 6 rats were sacrificed in each group at each time. One week survivals were analyzed; while liver injury and regeneration index were estimated by serum ALT AST, H&E staining and proliferating cell nuclear antigen index. The oval cell markers, including CD90 and OV6, were detected in liver sections by immunohistochemistry.ResultsThe 50% survival rate of the SLT group was significantly lower than those of the PH and the WLT groups. At each time after operation, the serum ALT and AST were much higher in the SLT group. Compared with the PH group on days 1, 2, and 3 postoperatively, the PCNA indices were lower among the SLT group. OV-6 positive and CD90 positive cells were detected in the SLT group from day 2 postoperatively. These progenitor cells were first dispersed in the liver but restricted to the periportal region over the following days.ConclusionLiver progenitor cell activation after SLT may be related to the liver dysfunction caused by a small-for-size graft.