Evaluation of Hepatic Reticuloendothelial Function after Hepatectomy in Rats by Uptake and Degradation Rates of ^99mTc-millimicrosphered Albumin

Masayuki Yunoki

First Department of Surgery, Okayama University Medical School

Changes in hepatic reticuloendothelial function, Kupffer cell function, in moderately and massively hepatectomized male Wistar rats were studied by measuring the rates of hepatic uptake and degradation (metabolism) of ^99mTc-millimicrosphered albumin by computer-imaged liver scintigraphy. The two rates were obtained from the same liver scintigram by means of computer analysis of the time activity curve, and the degradation rate was evaluated as the rate of metabolism by Kupffer cells. Thirty and 70% hepatectomy were performed in rats and both uptake and degradation rates were measured before and on days 1, 3, 5 and 7 after the operation. After 30% hepatectomy, the degradation rate per liver weight was decreased on the first day after hepatectomy, although it was increased beyond normal on the firth day, which suggested hyperactiviyt of Kupffer cell caused by moderate hepatectomy. There was only a small change in uptake rate. After 70% hepatectomy, both uptake and degradation rates were markedly reduced and their recovery was prolonged beyound the fifth postoperative day. The rate of hepatic degradation of ^99mTc-millimicrosphered albumin can be a specific and sensitive indicator of hepatic reticuloendothelial function around hepatectomy.

Key words
hepatic reticuloendothelial function after hepatectomy, ^99mTc-millimicrosphered albumin, uptake and degradation rates of ^99mTc-millimicrosphered albumin

Reprint requests
Masayuki Yunoki First Department of Surgery, Okayama University Medical School
2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Okayama, 700 JAPAN

Accepted
June 17, 1992

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