Fetal hepatic haematopoiesis is modulated by arterial blood flow to the liver

Authors: Kunisaki, Shaun M.; Azpurua, Humberto; Fuchs, Julie R.; Graves, Sara C.; Zurakowski, David; Fauza, Dario O.

Source: British Journal of Haematology, Volume 134, Number 3, August 2006 , pp. 330-332(3)

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

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Abstract:

Summary

We describe an as yet unrecognised relationship between fetal hepatic haematopoiesis and arterial blood flow to the liver. To increase hepatic arterial flow, the common bile duct (CBD) was ligated in fetal lambs. Reduction of hepatic arterial flow was accomplished in age-matched animals by hepatic artery (HA) ligation. Multiple analyses performed before term showed a significant increase in haematopoietic cell density in CBD animals when compared with sham controls and HA animals. In contrast, HA animals demonstrated a decrease in liver haematopoietic activity. Fetal hepatic haematopoiesis is dependent upon arterial blood flow to the liver.

Keywords: haematopoiesis; hepatic haematopoiesis; fetal haematopoiesis; hepatic artery; fetus

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2141.2006.06183.x

Publication date: 2006-08-01