Immunohistochemical localization of transforming growth factor alpha in regenerating rat liver

• Published in: Journal of Veterinary Medical Science Vol. 64; no. 11; pp. 1045 - 1048
• Main Authors: Okada, M. (Mitsubishi Pharma Corp., Kisarazu, Chiba (Japan)), Sakairi, T, Kusakabe, M, Goto, K, Tsuchiya, T, Sugimoto, J, Sano, F, Mutai, M, Morohashi, T, Kobayashi, K
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Japan JAPANESE SOCIETY OF VETERINARY SCIENCE 01.11.2002; Japan Science and Technology Agency
• Subjects: Animals; Biomarkers - analysis; Cell Division; Hepatectomy; Hepatocytes - chemistry; Immunohistochemistry; IMMUNOLOGICAL TECHNIQUES; LIVER; Liver - chemistry; Liver - cytology; Liver Regeneration; Male; RATS; Rats, Inbred F344; TGF-alpha; Time Factors; TRANSFORMING GROWTH FACTOR; Transforming Growth Factor alpha - analysis
• ISSN: 0916-7250; 1347-7439
• DOI: 10.1292/jvms.64.1045

Immunohistochemical localization of TGF-alpha and cell proliferation kinetics during liver regeneration after two-thirds partial hepatectomy (PH) were investigated. Twenty-four to 72 hr after PH, appreciable increase in the number of TGF-alpha-positive hepatocytes was observed in zones 1 and 2. At the peak at 36 hr, almost all positive cells were stained in their nuclei. Considerable increase in the BrdU labeling index was observed 24-36 hr after PH with a peak at 24 hr in zones 1 and 2. These results indicated an association between TGF-alpha expression and hepatocyte regeneration. It is suggested that immunohistochemical localization of TGF-alpha may be a useful marker of cell proliferation activity in rat liver.