Effects of partial and sham hepatectomy on ornithine decarboxylase and thymidine kinase activities and mRNA contents
Beyer, H.S.; Zieve, L.
Biochemistry International 20(4): 761-765
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0158-5231 PMID: 2353925 Document Number: 356504
Ornithine decarboxylase and thymidine kinase are enzymes that increase in activity in regenerating liver. We found that both activities and mRNA levels for these enzymes increase significantly after 70% partial hepatectomy in the rat. After sham hepatectomy (laparotomy) there were significant decreases in activity; however, mRNA content was unaltered. Similar decreases in enzyme activity, without changes in mRNA content, were found with pair-feeding, and additional decreases in activity after starvation. In contrast to previous reports of no change in ornithine decarboxylase and thymidine kinase after sham hepatectomy, the present results indicate that decreases occur. This may be mediated by the decrease in food intake after surgery. Dietary factors may be important in the physiologic regulation of these enzymes in the liver.