A study of endotoxin-associated hepatotoxicity on proliferating hepatocytes.

It is thought that regeneration of the liver provides a state of preparedness for the Shwartzman reaction and contributes to the development of endotoxin-associated massive hepatic necrosis following partial hepatectomy. Therefore we examined endotoxin hepatotoxicity in rats with hepatic regeneration after 35% hepatectomy and in rats with liver cell proliferation induced by lead nitrate. Biochemical and histopathological studies showed no enhanced endotoxin hepatotoxicity in either partially hepatectomized rats or in rats with lead nitrate-induced liver cell proliferation. These results indicate that the development of endotoxin-associated hepatic damage after partial hepatectomy may not relate to regeneration and proliferation of the liver.