[Influence of age on biochemical parameters of the rat liver following partial hepatectomy (author's transl)]

Abstract

In the present paper measurements of DNA and protein content and lysosomal enzyme (beta-glucuronidase, beta-acetylglucosaminidase, cathepsin D) acitivities were performed in the rat liver following partial hepatectomy. The rats were divided into three age groups: 6 weeks, 10 months and 18 months. The regenerating liver of the 6 week and 10 month old animals disclosed significant higher concentrations of DNA than the controls. The 18 month old rats revealed no differences of the DNA content. In all age groups the protein content of the regenerating liver was significant diminished. There were age dependent differences of the activities of the three lysosomal enzymes. In comparison to the controls the beta-glucuronidase activity of the regenerating liver was significantly decreased in the 6 week and 18 month old animals, but significantly increased in the 10 month old rats. Refering to the protein content there were no differences of the activities of beta-acetylglucosaminidase and cathepsin D between the regenerating and control livers. Refering to the liver fresh weight the beta-acetylglucosaminidase activity of the regenerating liver was significant diminished in the 10 and 18 month old rats.