Enzymes of Methionine Metabolism in Regenerating Rat Liver 1

Abstract

Abstract

Significant changes in the activities of the enzymes of methionine metabolism occur in the regenerating rat liver. We found that the levels of methionine adenosyl-transferase and cystathionine synthase increased immediately after partial hepatectomy. A secondary peak of activity was noted on the eighth postoperative day. In contrast, activities of both 5-methyltetrahydrofolate homocysteine methyltransferase and betaine-homocysteine methyltransferase declined. This pattern of changes suggests that transsulfuration, rather than methionine conservation, is a major metabolic response in hepatic regeneration.