New model of liver regeneration induced through use of vascular endothelial growth factor.
BACKGROUND
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an endothelial cell mitogen. The objective of this study was to verify the proregenerative effects of VEGF in an experimental model of acute liver failure.


METHODS
Sixty four rats that underwent intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) were randomly divided into two groups: group B animals received intravenous injection of VEGF(164) 1 hour following CCl(4) poisoning. Group A hosts were untreated. To obtain daily liver function tests (LFTs) and histological samples, on each day up to 8 days we sacrificed four rats in each group.


RESULTS
The laboratory examinations showed notable alteration of LFTs in group A, while group B revealed only slight changes. The histological examination showed greater liver damage in group A compared with group B.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results suggest that administration of exogenous VEGF protects the liver from CCl(4)-induced acute hepatic failure. Further studies are underway to assess whether exogenous VEGF is effective in other liver injuries.
Marino
G
G
Department of General Surgery, University of Catania, Italy.
Piazzese
E
E
Gruttadauria
S
S
Nicotra
G
G
Guarnaccia
M
M
Emmanuele
G
G
Bartoloni
G
G
Messina
A
A
Travali
S
S
Famulari
C
C
Gruttadauria
G
G
D000410:Alanine Transaminase / Q000097:blood; D000818:Animals; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases / Q000097:blood; D002252:Carbon Tetrachloride Poisoning / Q000628:therapy*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D017093:Liver Failure / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008111:Liver Function Tests; D008115:Liver Regeneration / Q000187:drug effects*; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases; D000410:Alanine Transaminase