Effect of Induced Infarction on Rat Liver Implanted with Walker Carcinoma 256

Abstract

Ligation of a branch of the portal vein or of an extrahepatic bile duct results in atrophy of the corresponding liver lobe. The remaining liver undergoes compensatory hypertrophy. This process is well tolerated by rabbits and dogs.^1,4,5 Complete devascularization of a portion of the liver results in infarction. When necrotic parts of liver tissue are left within their abdomen, dogs die within 36 hours. There is evidence that death occurs only if the liver tissue becomes decomposed by bacterial action.² Rats, however, are able to control massive bacterial growth in necrotic liver tissue and survive infarction of up to 70% of their liver (100% of 18 rats³). If ligation of various structures of the portal hilus, leading either to atrophy or to necrosis of part of the liver, is followed by regression of a malignant growth within the affected liver tissue, this method could be used as