Extended ligation of hepatic vein may obtain similar effect to live venous deprivation in rat model

Abstract

Abstract Aims: To verify the hypothesis that the hepatic vein ligation (HVL) alone may produce similar results to the live venous deprivation (LVD or HVL/PVL). Methods: Rats were assigned to 5 groups, the control group; R group: the right median hepatic vein (RMHV) was ligated; M group: the middle median hepatic vein (MMHV) was ligated, RM group: both the RMHV and MMHV were ligated; LVD group: both the right median portal vein (RMPV) and the RMHV were ligated. Liver hypertrophy effect and liver enzymes were determined. The methylene blue staining and retrograde pressurized perfusion assay were performed to observe the hemodynamic changes. Results: The RM and LVD groups exhibited similar significant hypertrophy in the future liver remnants when compared to the control group, and almost no additional hypertrophy effect were observed in the R and M group. A remarkable elevation in serum transaminase levels in both those groups. The methylene blue staining indicated that there are pressured-dependent collaterals between the contigeous drainage areas, the R+MMHVL procedures block the outflow of RML. Conclusion: The extended ligation of hepatic vein (R+MMHVL) obtained the similar hypertrophy effect and hepatic damage to the LVD in rat model, and the intrahepatic venovenous collaterals play key roles.