Antithrombin-III Attenuates Hepatocyte Apoptosis in Bile Duct Ligated Rat: A Striking Cellular Change

Background and purpose: Retention and accumulation of toxic hydrophobic bile salts within hepatocyte may cause hepatocyte toxicity by inducing apoptosis. This study was designed with the purpose of evaluating the possible effect of antithrombin-III on hepatocyte apoptosis in bile duct ligated rat. Materials and methods: The rats were randomized to 3 groups: group 1 (control, C) underwent sham operation; group 2 (obstructive jaundice, OB) underwent common bile duct ligation; and group 3 (obstructive jaundice with antithrombin-III, OBAT-III) underwent common bile duct ligation and simultaneously were treated with antithrombin-III. Liver tissues were harvested on the fifth postoperative day. Results: Hepatocyte apoptosis was significantly increased in bile duct ligated group when compared with the sham operation group. The administration of antithrombin-III effectively attenuates such phenomenon in obstructive jaundice with antithrombin-III group. Conclusion: Bile duct ligation significantly increased hepatocyte apoptosis and the administration of antithrombin-III effectively attenuates such phenomenon.