Alterations in microsomal and plasma membranes during liver regeneration

Investigations have been carried out on the alterations of membrane lipids and some enzyme activities during liver regeneration. The results indicated that 32 h after partial hepatectomy the membrane phospholipids per mg protein were augmented. The cholesterol esters were also increased in both microsomal and plasma membranes. The specific radioactivity of the separate phospholipid fractions, estimated by incorporation of 14C-palmitate into the phospholipid molecules, was higher in membranes from partially hepatectomized rats, compared to sham-operated ones, indicating an enhanced phospholipid synthesis. The content and specific radioactivity of diacylglycerols and triacylglycerols was enhanced in both types of membranes from regenerating liver. Moreover, we observed a fluidization of these membranes, which is illustrated by the decrease of the structural order parameter (SDPH) of the lipid bilayer as well as by the elevation of the excimer to monomer fluorescent ratio (IE/IM). 1,6-Diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene and pyrene were used as fluorescent probes for determination of the membranes physical state. Palmitoyl-CoA and oleoyl-CoA synthetase, acyl-CoA: lysophosphocholine and acyl-CoA:lysophosphoethanolamine acyltransferase as well as phospholipase C activities were augmented in membranes from partially hepatectomized rats. The biological significance of these alterations in the process of liver regeneration is discussed.