BIOSYNTHESIS OF PLASMA LIPOPROTEINS BY LIVER DURING ITS REGENERATION

1. 1. The synthesis of plasma lipids and lipoproteins by rat liver during its regeneration has been studied, 20 h after partial hepatectomy, by counting the [3H]oleate and [14C]leucine incorporated by the isolated and perfused liver. Controls have been obtained on laparotomized or normal rats. 2. 2. While regenerating, the liver synthesizes more lipids and proteins than control livers. 3. 3. While regenerating, the liver liberates more de novo synthesized lipoproteins per g of tissue. 4. 4. These results clearly demonstrate that posthepatectomy steatosis is not produced by a deficiency in lipoproteins synthesis or liberation. It is suggested that the rate of triglycerides synthesis temporarily exceeds the rate of their liberation. The triglycerides are stored in the liver, as a consequence. 5. 5. A simultaneous increase in catabolism could explain the observed decrease in plasma proteins and the faster synthesis at the same time. © 1969.