Evaluation of the effect of intraperitoneal administration of tacrolimus on hepatic regeneration in a major (70%) hepatectomy model after experimental pringle maneuver in rats

Backround: Liver regeneration is known to begin after experimentally induced liver resection. The Pringle Maneuver is traditionally used during hepatectomy to reduce blood loss, but there is a potential harmful effect on liver rejeneration. The patients are receiving immunosuppressive therapy after liver transplantation to reduce graft rejection. These immunosuppressive drugs may have differential side effects on liver rejeneration too. Purpose: In this study, the effects of tacrolimus on liver regeneration in rats with partial hepatectomy were compared in the absence or presence of the Pringle Maneuver. Material-Method: In our experiment 35 Wistar albino male rats, weighing between 200-300 grams, were used. The rats were randomly divided into five groups: Group 1; abdominal incision without intervention, Group 2; 70% hepatectomy, Group 3; 15 minutes Pringle Maneuver + 70% hepatectomy, Group 4; 70% hepatectomy + five days 1 mg/kg/day i.p. tacrolimus and Group 5; 15 minutes Pringle Maneuver + 70% hepatectomy + five days 1 mg/kg/day i.p. tacrolimus. All rats were sacrificed at the seven day after operation, remnant liver tissues were weighed and the weight index was created. Remnant liver tissues that stained with phosphohistone H3, were examined under a light microscope to calculate mitotic index. Results: In the comparison of mitotic index and weight index, between Pringle + %70 hx + tacrolimus group and control group, there were no statistically significant differences. Also in comparison of mitotic index and weight index between %70 hx + tacrolimus group and control group, there were no statistically significant differences. Conclusion: The suppression of regeneration could cause risks after liver transplantation especially in small volume grafts, therefore; investigating the effects of tacrolimus in combination with Pringle Maneuver has become more important after liver segmental grafts transplantations. We found that tacrolimus administration has no harmful effect on liver rejeneration.