High plasma levels of arginine and liver arginase in Kupffer-cell-depleted rats after partial hepatectomy

Background/Aims: The remnant liver after partial hepatectomy releases arginase into the plasma, which is a reliable indicator of hepatocellular damage. Little information is available on how this release affects arginine plasma levels. We hypothesized that Kupffer cells after partial hepatectomy may prevent further hepatocellular damage, contributing to lower arginase release. The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of Kupffer cells in plasma arginase activity and arginine plasma levels after partial hepatectomy. Methods: Wag/Rij rats (n=72, 250–275 g) were randomly assigned to receive 1 ml liposome-encapsulated dichloromethylene-diphosphonate in order to eliminate Kupffer cells (DMDP, n=24), 1 ml liposome encapsulated-phosphate buffered saline (PBS, n=24) or 1 ml NaCl 0.9% (NaCl, n=24) intravenously. Forty-eight hours later, all rats had a two-third liver resection. Rats were killed at 0, 24, 48 and 96 h after partial hepatectomy. Results: Arginase plasma activity was higher in the DMDP-treated group compared to NaCl and PBS (both p<0.01, p<0.05, p<0.01 and p<0.05 for 0, 24, 48 and 96 h after partial hepatectomy respectively). Arginine plasma levels increased, but were lower in the DMDP group compared to NaCl and PBS (both p<0.05, 24 h after hepatectomy). Conclusion: The study showed that Kupffer cell depletion results in a higher arginase release from the remnant liver after partial hepatectomy, indicating a hepatocellular protective function of Kupffer cells. Despite this arginase release, arginine plasma levels were increased after partial hepatectomy.