Effect of Protein Reserves on Liver Regeneration After Partial Hepatectomy

Abstract

Summary

The regeneration of rat liver after partial hepatectomy in rats fed a protein-free diet has been used in an attempt to assess the importance of protein reserves. Groups of protein-depleted adult male rats were fed diets of varying protein quality for one week, and then subjected to removal of two-thirds of the liver. Recovery periods of 3 and 7 days were studied during which time a protein-free diet was fed. No effect of the previous dietary history on the weight of new liver tissue formed was observed. Plasma protein levels were significantly lower after 3 and 7 days protein-depletion in animals previously fed gluten as compared with those fed egg. Levels also were significantly depressed as a result of the partial hepatectomy, and the effects of poor quality dietary protein and liver resection were additive. It is suggested that under the conditions investigated, the existence of fuller protein stores was of physiological advantage to the organism and possibly of survival value.