Enhancement of rat liver mitochondrial function by portal branch ligation secures subsequent extended hepatectomy.

We have examined the effects of portal branch ligation on liver mitochondrial function and on subsequent extended hepatectomy in rat. In the occluded lobes, mitochondrial function was depressed immediately after the ligation. In the unoccluded lobes, mitochondrial function was enhanced and reached the maximum two days after the ligation. This enhancement was associated with increases in the enzymic activities and subunit amounts of the energy-transducing complexes, and with increase in mitochondrial DNA content. The ligation improved both survival rate and mitochondrial redox state monitored by the ratio of acetoacetate to beta-hydroxybutyrate after hepatectomy. These results suggest that the enhancement of mitochondrial function by portal branch ligation fills the energy demand for liver regeneration.