Fig. 2

MSC administration enhances proliferation and inhibits apoptosis of liver parenchymal cells after 70% hepatectomy. Cellular proliferation and apoptosis were analyzed pre- and 2 days post liver resection in all experimental groups. The effect of MSC administration on cell proliferation was evaluated by PCNA immunoreactivity (Alexa Fluor 555 – red) and BrdU incorporation (Alexa Fluor 488 – green). Effect of MSC administration on cell apoptosis was determined by TUNEL staining (FITC – green). In both cases the nuclei were counterstained with DAPI (blue). Representative micrographs of hepatocyte proliferation determined by (a) PCNA labeling, or (b) BrdU incorporation, and apoptosis determined by (e) TUNEL, in liver tissue are shown (arrows). Quantification of (c) PCNA, (d) BrdU and (f) TUNEL-positive nuclei was made by digital image analysis. The proportion of mononuclear and binuclear hepatocytes at the end of the regenerative process was evaluated by immunofluorescence 7 days post-Hpx in all experimental groups. g Staining of outlines of hepatocytes with actin (Alexa Fluor 555 – red) distinguishes mononuclear from binuclear hepatocytes by confocal microscopy. h Quantification of binuclear hepatocytes by digital image analysis. All data are presented as mean ± SEM for 30 random fields per animal and six animals per group. a p < 0.05 vs. normal pre-Hpx; b p < 0.05 vs. normal + Vh; c p < 0.05 vs. obese pre-Hpx and d p < 0.05 vs. obese + Vh