A Novel Hepatectomy Model in Mice Using a Gutta Cutter Tool: A Feasibility Study and Preliminary Results.

BACKGROUND

A simple and reproducible model of hepatectomy provides an essential basis for the study of liver regeneration. However, current rodent models of hepatectomy involve lobectomy, which cannot simulate clinical liver resection with surgical margins. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate a novel murine modeling technique for hepatectomy using a gutta cutter.

METHODS

Seventy-five C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into 3 groups (n = 25 mice per group). Group 1 (control) underwent single ligature of the left lobe. Group 2 underwent left lobe local (5-mm diameter) hepatectomy by gutta cutter. Group 3 underwent partial left lobe resection (1.5 cm) by gutta cutter. Postoperative complications were analyzed. Serum aspartate transaminase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, urea nitrogen, interleukin 6, and tumor necrosis factor-α were detected using an automatic biochemical analyzer. Hematoxylin-eosin and immunohistochemical staining was used to examine pathology, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, caspase-3, CD34, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT-3), and phosphorylated STAT-3 (p-STAT-3).

RESULTS

Major postoperative complications, hepatic enzymes, kidney function, interleukin 6, and tumor necrosis factor-α were similar among the groups (all P > .05). Histology showed little necrosis and a clear surgical boundary in groups 2 and 3. Groups 1 and 3 had higher positive cell levels (proliferating cell nuclear antigen, CD34, p-STAT-3) than group 2 (P < .05). There were no significant differences in caspase-3 and STAT-3 positive cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Hepatectomy in mice using a gutta cutter to better mimic human liver resection shows potential as an alternative and safe animal model. This model may be useful in investigating methods of promoting liver regeneration.