RGD Reference Report - Expression of placental growth factor in regenerating livers after partial hepatectomy in the rat. - Rat Genome Database

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Expression of placental growth factor in regenerating livers after partial hepatectomy in the rat.

Authors: Vanheule, E  Fan, YD  Van Huysse, J  Meester, D  Olievier, K  Praet, M  De Hemptinne, B  Colle, I 
Citation: Vanheule E, etal., Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2011 Jan;23(1):66-75.
RGD ID: 6483778
Pubmed: PMID:21088600   (View Abstract at PubMed)
DOI: DOI:10.1097/MEG.0b013e328341ef35   (Journal Full-text)

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Placental growth factor (PlGF) is known for its role in pathological conditions to protect parenchymal cells of different organs from injury, whereas its presence in the liver and its potential importance in stimulating liver regeneration has never been described. This was investigated in this study using a rat model of partial hepatectomy (PH). METHODS: The rat model of 70, 80, and 90% PH was used. Liver samples were taken peroperatively, 1 h, 1, 2, 3, and 7 days after surgery. Liver regeneration was evaluated by liver weight/body weight ratio, liver regeneration rate (%), and proliferating cell marker Ki67. The expression of PlGF, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), VEGF receptor 1 (Flt-1), VEGF receptor 2 (Flk-1), and hypoxia inducible factor-1alpha mRNA was measured by quantitative real-time PCR and localized by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The mRNA expression of PlGF was upregulated immediately after PH. Compared with 70 and 80% PH groups, the 90% PH group had a significantly lower PlGF and hypoxia inducible factor-1alpha mRNA expression, in parallel to a delayed liver weight/body weight ratio recovery. Only little differences were observed in VEGF, Flt-1, and Flk-1 mRNA expression among the PH groups. CONCLUSION: This study shows for the first time the PlGF upregulation in regenerating livers, which is related to hypoxia stimulation and liver growth. The swift PlGF upregulation immediately after PH may indicate an important role for the PlGF/Flt-1 pathway in the early stage of liver regeneration.

Gene Ontology Annotations    Click to see Annotation Detail View

Biological Process
TermQualifierEvidenceWithReferenceNotesSourceOriginal Reference(s)
animal organ regeneration  IEP 6483778 RGD 

Objects Annotated

Genes (Rattus norvegicus)
Pgf  (placental growth factor)


Additional Information