The effect of ghrelin on hepatocyte proliferation and regenerative liver growth via the autonomic nervou s system

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The liver is richly innervated, and the autonomic nervous system regulates hepatic functions, such as hepatic regeneration and apoptosis, and metabolic control. Because ghrelin participates in the central regulation of gastric functions through vagal nerve pathway, we have explored the effect of ghrelin on the neural regulation of hepatic functions. In a rat model of lethal liver cirrhosis produced by dimethylnitrosamine, repeated ghrelin administration reduces the collagen deposition and hepato cyte apoptosis, and accelerates hepatocyte proliferation and normalization of liver function, resulting in the recovery from lethal hepatic failure. Ghrelin also promotes regenerative liver growth in seventy-percent partial hepatectomized rats. Thus, ghrel in may serve as a new neuroendocrinologic approach for improving hepatic functions and accelerating liver regeneration in-patients with liver cirrhosis and hepatic resection.