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Change in transferrin receptor distribution in regenerating rat liver
1Department of Biochemistry, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Japan.
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
|November 15, 1989
Summary
Following partial hepatectomy, liver cells show increased transferrin binding due to more transferrin receptors on the cell surface. This occurs via translocation of intracellular receptors, not increased total receptor production.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Medicine
Background:
- Partial hepatectomy triggers liver regeneration.
- Transferrin is crucial for iron transport and cell proliferation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate changes in transferrin receptor expression during liver regeneration.
- To determine the mechanism behind increased transferrin binding post-hepatectomy.
Main Methods:
- 125I-labeled transferrin binding assays on regenerating rat liver cells.
- Scatchard analysis to quantify receptor number.
- Measurement of total cellular transferrin receptor levels.
Main Results:
- Partial hepatectomy increased the binding of transferrin to liver cell surface receptors.
- Scatchard analysis revealed a higher number of cell surface transferrin receptors in regenerating liver.
- Total cellular transferrin receptor numbers remained unchanged between control and regenerating livers.
Conclusions:
- The increased surface transferrin receptor number is due to the translocation of intracellular receptors to the cell surface.
- This mechanism facilitates enhanced transferrin uptake during liver regeneration.