Expression of Hedgehog signaling molecules in rat livers after partial hepatectomy

AIM: To detect the expression of Hedgehog signaling molecules in rat livers after partial hepatectomy.METHODS: The model of rat partial hepatectomy was established by resecting the middle and left lobes of the liver.Eighteen male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 3 groups: sham operation group(group A),partial hepatectomy group 1(group B) and partial hepatectomy group 2(group C).Hepatic tissues were collected 24 h after the operation in group A and group B,and 48 h after the operation in group C.The expression of Ki-67,Sonic Hedgehog(Shh),Indian Hedgehog(Ihh) and Glioblastoma-2(Gli-2) in the hepatic tissues were detected by immunohistochemical staining and Western blotting.RESULTS: The edema and spotty necrosis in the hepatic tissues were observed in group B and group C by HE staining.The cells of different dividing stages were found in the hepatic tissues of group C.Compared with group A,the expression of Ki-67,Shh,Ihh and Gli-2 in group B(P0.01) and group C(P0.01) was significantly elevated,and the expression levels in group C were higher than those in group B(P0.01).CONCLUSION: Hedgehog signaling in rat livers may be activated after partial hepatectomy and stimulate liver regeneration.