Figure 2

Platelet-deficient mice exhibit impaired liver regeneration after CCl₄ injury. (a, b) After CCl₄ injury, proliferation (BrdU⁺) of hepatocytes was prohibited in thrombopoietin knockout mice (Thpo^−/−) lacking platelets. Hepatocyte proliferation was enhanced in Thpo^−/− mice by injection of VEGF-A and SDF-1. N=6–8 mice per group. (c) Severe centrilobular damage in the liver of Thpo^−/− mice after CCl₄ injury, as indicated by scattered cell debris in Thpo^−/− mice relative to mild centrilobular necrosis in WT mice. VEGF-A and SDF-1 injection ameliorated the injury in Thpo^−/− mice. Scale bar, 50 μm. (d) Increased hepatic injury (plasma alanine aminotransferase, ALT activity) in Thpo^−/− mice following CCl₄ injection, as compared to WT mice. These data imply that VEGF-A and SDF-1 produced by activated platelets protect against acute hepatotoxic injury. N=6–8 mice per group.