| Abstract: | D-galactosamine (D-gal) damaged rats were infused with Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) through a peripheral vein for 40 min. before and after partial hepatectomy. DNA synthesis following 68% partial hepatectomy was severely inhibited by the pretreatment of D-galactosamine. PGE1 infusion (0.5, 1.0 microgram/kg/min) enhanced the DNA synthesis inhibited by D-gal 600 mg/kg significantly (p less than 0.01). After 20 min. of PGE1 infusion cyclic AMP levels of liver tissue was increased as compared with saline infusion in D-gal (600 mg/kg)-damaged rat (p less than 0.05). Also 20 min. and 3 hour after partial hepatectomy. ATP levels of liver tissue was enhanced in PGE1 treated group (p less than 0.05). However the doses of PGE1 infused in this investigation could not increase the hepatic tissue blood flow measured by hydrogen gas clearance method. These results suggest that PGE1 enhance DNA synthesis of injured liver after partial hepatectomy by the mechanism which PGE1 stimulate cyclic AMP production and increase ATP level in hepatic tissue. |
