In recent years, the intracellular pathways activated by the tumour necrosis factor have been described in great detail. Adaptor molecules which bind to the intracellular domain of the tumour necrosis factor receptor 1 are able to either induce apoptosis or to activate signals which trigger cell proliferation, anti-apoptotic mechanisms or the inflammatory response of hepatocytes. In different animal model the tumour necrosis factor-dependent mechanisms have been defined. Therefore, the present review deals with the molecular mechanisms of tumour necrosis factor-dependent signalling. Additionally, the role of tumour necrosis factor during liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy and models of tumour necrosis factor-dependent liver cell damage will be discussed.