Protective effects of a hibernation-inducer on hepatocyte injury induced by hypothermic preservation.

Background/purpose: For hepatocyte-based cell therapy to be realistic, the method chosen for cryopreservation or hypothermic preservation is critical. The aim of the present study was to clarify whether D-Ala2-Leu5-enkephalin (DADLE), a hibernation inducer, has protective effects on hepatocytes with regard to hypothermic preservation injury.

Methods: A suspension of rat hepatocytes was stored at 4 degrees C for 24 h with or without DADLE.

The effect of denervation on liver regeneration in partially hepatectomized rats.

Background/aim: In a partial liver transplantation, the dissected hepatic nerves are left unrepaired during active liver regeneration. In fact, the pathophysiological influence of such hepatic denervation on liver regeneration has not yet been fully clarified. The aim of the present study is to elucidate the effect of total hepatic denervation on liver regeneration.