Abstract: Objective To observe the effect of plasma exchange (PE) combined with hemofiltration (HF) on the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in the livers of pigs with acute hepatic failure. Methods Twelve minipigs were divided into two groups randomly: Control group (n=6) and treatment group (n=6). Both groups of animals were induced acute hepatic failure with administration of D-galactosamine (dosage, 1.2g/kg).The treatment group was treated with PE combined with HF 24 hours and 48 hours later. The expression of PCNA in the liver tissue was detected on the 6th、24th、48th、72nd hour by immunohistochemical staining. Results For the control group, the expression of PCNA appeared 6 hours later. The maximum expression of PCNA appeared on the 48th hour and then sharply declined. Compared with the control group, the expression of PCNA was markedly improved (P ＜0.05), the difference was significant. Conclusion The residual hepatocytes of the pigs with acute hepatic failure can regenerate. PE combined with HF therapy can raise the expression of PCNA.

Key words: Acute hepatic failure, Artificial liver