The role of the autonomic nervous system in liver regeneration and apoptosis--recent developments.

Hepatocytes have a great replicative capacity and are capable of repopulating the liver. Previous studies have suggested that the autonomic nervous system regulates liver regeneration and apoptosis. Moreover, the central nervous system modulates them through the autonomic nervous system. The lateral hypothalamus (LH) area and the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) nucleus have been studied for their role in the integration of neurohumoral information. The LH is part of the parasympathetic system, while the VMH belongs to the sympathetic system. Lesions of the LH reportedly induced an increase in sympathetic nerve activity, while those in the VMH produced facilitation of vagus nerve activity. Moreover, VMH or LH lesions facilitate hepatic regeneration after partial hepatectomy. Furthermore, the hypothalamus mediates hepatic apoptosis through the autonomic nervous system. Although further studies are needed to define the role clearly, the autonomic nervous system is one of the important factors that regulate liver regeneration and apoptosis.