【Abstract】Objective To search for the drug that promots the hepatocyte regeneration after partial hepatectomy. Methods Quantitative morphometry technique, 3H-TdR in vivo test and arterial ketone body ratio (AKBR) were employed to evaluate the energy metabolism, DNA synthesis, and liver cell nuclear mitosis and hepatocyte regeneration of the residual liver tissue in rats after partial lobectomy when treated with human growth hormone (hGH) and placebo. Results After partial hepatectomy in the experimental group, liver cell nuclear mitosis，nuclear density, new liver cell numbers, AKBR and 3H-TdR in vivo test were much higher than those in the control group (P＜0.01 or P＜0.05). Conclusion hGH promotes the hepatocyte regeneration of the residual liver.