Fetal hepatic haematopoiesis is modulated by arterial blood flow to the liver.
We describe an as yet unrecognised relationship between fetal hepatic haematopoiesis and arterial blood flow to the liver. To increase hepatic arterial flow, the common bile duct (CBD) was ligated in fetal lambs. Reduction of hepatic arterial flow was accomplished in age-matched animals by hepatic artery (HA) ligation. Multiple analyses performed before term showed a significant increase in haematopoietic cell density in CBD animals when compared with sham controls and HA animals. In contrast, HA animals demonstrated a decrease in liver haematopoietic activity. Fetal hepatic haematopoiesis is dependent upon arterial blood flow to the liver.
Kunisaki
Shaun M
SM
Department of Surgery and Advanced Fetal Care Center, Children's Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
Azpurua
Humberto
H
Fuchs
Julie R
JR
Graves
Sara C
SC
Zurakowski
David
D
Fauza
Dario O
DO
D000818:Animals; D003135:Common Bile Duct; D047109:Fetal Development; D006411:Hematopoiesis, Extramedullary; D006499:Hepatic Artery; D008026:Ligation; D008099:Liver / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000196:embryology*; D023421:Models, Animal; D012039:Regional Blood Flow; D012756:Sheep