[Change in the state of the lysosomes in isolated Kupffer cells and hepatocytes in the process of liver reparative regeneration]

Abstract

Using hepatectomized rats, it was shown that immediately after a partial liver removal the Kupffer macrophages were accumulated. At the maximal mitotic activity (36 hours following partial hepatectomy), the relative amount of Kupffer cells keeps low, but 72 hours later turns out to be higher again. The periodic changes of the Kupffer cell amount in hepatectomized rats are accompanied by remarkable increase (by 1.5--3 times) of free and total lysosomal enzymes (acid DNAase, DNAase, cathepsin D). The activation of the Kupffer macrophage lysosomes goes ahead of labilization of hepatocyte lysosomal membranes. The blockade of mononuclear phagocyte system by means of carbonate iron in an early prereplicative period leads to an as long as 10--12 hours retardation of hepatocyte proliferation. The role of the Kupffer macrophages in reparative liver regeneration is discussed.