Subcellular distribution of asialoglycoprotein receptor in liver regeneration

Asialoglycoprotein (ASGP) receptor specific activity was determined directly using a radiolabelled ligand (asialoorosomucoid) binding assay in various fractions of rat liver cells before and 24 hours after two-thirds partial hepatectomy. The specific activity of ASGP receptor in the plasma membrane fraction was significantly reduced 24 hours after partial hepatectomy. In an attempt to identify a subgroup of receptor involved in intercellular recognition the calcium-dependent ASGP receptor was re-assayed after pre-incubation in ethylenediaminetetra-acetic acid. This revealed significant amounts of additional receptor in microsomal preparations but not in plasma membrane fractions. Cryptic receptor levels were not affected by partial hepatectomy. Plasma membrane-bound receptor was significantly decreased in regenerating liver.