Autofluorescence properties of rat liver under hypermetabolic conditions

Abstract

Autofluorescence response to oxygen supply modulation has been investigated in livers of rats under the hypermetabolic state associated to a pathological condition—hyperthyroidism—that is known to enhance hepatocyte metabolic activities involving both NAD, i.e. oxidative pathways engaged in ATP synthesis, and NADP, i.e. reductive bio-synthesis and antioxidant functions. Experiments have been performed on rats in normal condition or submitted to long-term thyroxine (T₄) administration. Histological inspection did not show any appreciable morphological alteration in liver parenchyma; biochemical analysis indicated an increase in both NADP⁺ and NADPH contents. Autofluorescence properties have been monitored in vivo, via a fiber optic probe, on exposed livers both during induction of global ischemia and after restoration of blood circulation. Alteration of oxygen supply modulated liver autofluorescence properties, mainly as to NAD(P)H contribution, in dependence of changes in pyridine coenzymes redox state. With respect to euthyroid, hyperthyroid rat livers exhibited higher autofluorescence signals in all phases of the experiment, and a faster signal decay time upon reoxygenation. The results have been interpreted on the basis of a larger content of NADPH—the coenzyme not directly oxidized in respiratory processes and likely providing an almost constant autofluorescence background contribution—and of uncoupling effects facilitating the respiratory NADH oxidation, associated with the hyperthyroid condition. The results obtained in the liver hypermetabolic model provide interesting perspectives for a further improvement of the diagnostic implications of autofluorescence.