Expression of sonic hedgehog signaling for regulation of liver regeneration after massive hepatectomy of the rat liver

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Background : This study was conducted to clarify the possible functional involvement of Hh signaling, especially in Sonic hedgehog (Shh) in liver regeneration. Methods : Six-week-old male Wister rats were performed 70% hepatectomy (70%Hx, n=6) and 90% hepatectomy (90%Hx, n=6). The liver/body weight ratio and immunohistochemistry by anti-PCNA, anti-Shh and anti-Gli-1 antibody were evaluated their expression in each groups. Results : Hepatocytes were strongly stained by PCNA at 24 hr after Hx. Regarding non-parenchymal cells, they gradually stained by PCNA from 24hr to 72hr after Hx. Shh and Gli-1 expressions of hepatocytes were higher in 24 hr than other time point. In non-parenchymal cells, they gradually increased after Hx, and Shh and Gli-1-positive non-parenchymal cells mainly existed in zone I. Conclusions : Those findings indicated some relations between Shh pathway and liver regeneration. It is possible that they induced efficient and smooth hepatic reconstruction.