Liver Macrophages Stimulate the Expression of Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor-6 and Promote Hepatocyte Proliferation at the Early Stage of Liver Regeneration.

Hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF-6) is a liver-specific protein and a key component in the differentiation process during the development of mature liver. The immunohistochemical staining and RT-PCR techniques were employed to examine the expression of HNF-6 and proliferation of Ki-67+ cells during the early regeneration of the liver on postsurgery in 3, 6, 12, and 24 h in original model of partial hepatectomy in rats. The earliest proliferating (Ki-67+) cells were observed in 3 h after surgery in liver sinusoids (liver macrophages) and then in liver parenchyma. Expression of HNF-6 in hepatocytes and epithelial cells of the bile ducts attained maximum in 6 h after surgery. At later terms, this parameter somewhat decreased, but still surpassed the control level.