Liver regeneration in dogs: Morphologic and chemical changes

Abstract

Forty-four percent and 72% hepatectomy were carried out in dogs and the animals were sacrificed for biochemical and pathologic studies from 0.5 to 6 days later. Compensatory hypertrophy and hyperplasia ("regeneration") were evident within 1 day, reached a maximum in 3 days, and were almost complete by 6 days. Coincident with the histologic events of regeneration were decreases in responsiveness of receptor adenyl cyclase to glucagon stimulation, increases of cyclic AMP, inconsistent changes in plasma insulin, and increases in plasma glucagon. These studies have standardized hepatic resection in dogs and they have focused attention upon some possible mechanisms that will require further study. © 1978 Academic Press, Inc. All rights of reserved