Availability of energy substrates during liver regeneration in malnourished rats

A retarded liver regeneration rate during malnutrition has previously been reported. To explore the mechanisms, some energy substrates were studied during liver regeneration and malnutrition. Forty-one rats were allocated to one of three groups (G): GI were normally nourished rats, which were partially hepatectomized; GII were semistarved rats, which were partially hepatectomized; and GIII were normally nourished rats, which were sham-operated. Biopsy specimens were taken from the liver at the time of partial hepatectomy and when they were killed after 48 h of regeneration. The samples were analysed for adenosine triphosphate (ATP), adenosine diphosphate (ADP), adenosine monophosphate (AMP), glycogen, lactate, and pyruvate, and energy charge potential (ECP) was calculated. ATP, ECP, and glycogen levels were decreased in the malnourished group before the resection. After 48 h of regeneration all values were unchanged in the normally nourished group, whereas ATP, ADP, and ECP were increased in the malnourished group compared with the initial values. The lactate/pyruvate quotient was increased in malnourished rats compared with normal rats. The results suggest that the energy supply is not a limiting factor for the reduced regeneration rate seen in malnourished animals.