engleski

Activation of Zinc-Dependent Hepato-Thymic Axis During Liver Regeneration in Hepatectomized Mice

Zinc is an essential trace element for many biological functions including the processes of normal growth and functioning of the lymphatic system. In this study, we estimated the role of the thymus in liver regeneration following a 1/3 partial hepatectomy (pHx) as well as the role of zinc ions in these processes. The data have shown that fast liver growth is followed by marked hypoplasia of the thymus and a difference in the proportion of the T-cell phenotype (increase of double negative CD4- CD8- and single positive CD4+ and CD8+ cells, and decrease of double positive CD4+ CD8+ cells). Simultaneously, a significant increase of tissue zinc concentration was found both in liver and in thymus. The most pronounced increase was recorded 24 hours (liver) and 48 hours (thymus) after pHx. These results pointed to the possibility that the accumulation of zinc in both organs might be linked to the activity of growth factors which are activated by pHx. Furthermore, it is possible that activation of zinc-dependent thymic hormones or interleukins facilitates the zinc formation of T-lymphocytes with morphogenetic functions participating in the control of liver regeneration.

hepato-thymic axis; zinc; liver regeneration; hepatoctemized mice

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