Objectives: To explore the relationship between the expression of IL-10 and liver regeneration following reduced-size orthotopic liver transplantation in rats.
Methods: Rats models with reduced-size orthotopic liver transplantation were established. The rats were divided in three groups: partial liver resection (I), orthotopic liver transplantations (II), and reduced-size orthotopic liver transplantation (III). The expression of IL-10 and regenerative response of liver in rats were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry on the 1st, 2nd, 4th and 7th days after the operations, respectively.
Results: The liver grafts were capable of regeneration, the proliferation activity peaked on the fourth day with 26.3+/-0.9, 35.8+/-2.2, and 32.4+/-1.8 in I, II, and III groups, respectively. The expression of IL-10 was negative correlation to liver regeneration (r=-0.58, P<0.01).
Conclusions: Whole and reduced-size transplanted livers show the same regenerative activity. The maximal regenerative response delayes slightly, compared with that after partial hepatectomy. IL-10 plays an important immunomodulatory role in liver regeneration,and the effect is affected by general immune system and other cytokines.