Effects of heparin on hepatic regeneration and function after partial hepatectomy in rats

AIM To investigate the effects of heparin on the regenerative rate and serum alanine aminotransferase level in partial-hepatectomized (two-thirds) rats. METHOD Three different doses of heparin (100, 500 or 1000 U/kg) were given after partial hepatectomy through the tail vein at a 12h interval for 2 or 3 days. After drug treatment, rats were killed and the remnant livers were weighed for the assessment of regenerative rate. Blood samples were also collected to measure serum alanine aminotransferase levels. RESULTS Heparin given in the present dosages for 2 or 3 days neither stimulated the regeneration of the liver nor improved the hepatic function as indicated by an insignificant change both on remnant liver weight and serum alanine aminotransferase activity as compared with the control. CONCLUSION Heparin alone has no beneficial effects on the regeneration of livers and improvement of hepatic function in hepatectomized rats.