Background/purpose: Platelets develop tissue repair and promote liver regeneration. We investigated whether platelets prevented acute liver damage after extended hepatectomy in pigs.
Methods: Thrombocytosis was induced by the following two methods; afterwards 80% hepatectomy was performed in pigs. In the first method, the pigs received administration of thrombopoietin [TPO (+) group], and they were compared with a control group [TPO (-) group]. In the second method, the pigs received a splenectomy [Sp (+) group], and theywere compared with another control group [Sp (-) group]. Platelet counts, biochemical examination of blood, and histopathological findings of the residual liver were examined.
Results: Serum aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and total bilirubin (T-Bil) levels were significantly decreased in the thrombocytotic groups compared with the control groups in the early period after hepatectomy. In the histopathological findings, hemorrhagic necrosis with a bile plug was observed in the control groups, but this phenomenon was not observed in the thrombocytotic groups. On transmission electron microscopy, the sinusoidal endothelial lining was destroyed and detached into the sinusoidal space with enlargement of Disse's spaces in the thrombocytotic groups, but these findings were not observed in the control groups.
Conclusion: An increased number of platelets prevents acute liver damage after extended hepatectomy.