Histologic and quantitative studies on the augmentation of liver regeneration with glucagon following partial hepatectomy in the rat

ABSTRACT

The effect of glucagon on the augmentation of liver regeneration following partial hepatectomy of the rat was investigated. Then was a significant increase in the weight of the liver both at day 3 [P<0.01] and day 7 [P<0.001] after partial hepatectomy and the start of glucagon treatment Mitotic Index showed a significant increase [P<0.001] in both partial hepatectomy group [group II] and partial hepatectomy and glucagon treated group [group III]. Stem cells were seen in the portal tract in the vicinity of bile ducts. The great majority of mitotic figures were seen in the prophase stage and were located in zone I of the liver acinus. An increase in ribosomes and mitochondrial number were observed specially in zone I of the liver acinus