beta-Hexosaminidase in plasma and liver after partial hepatectomy in normal and cirrhotic rats

The liver and plasma level of the lysosomal enzyme beta-hexosaminidase was analyzed in partially (about 70%) hepatectomized rats with normal liver or carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced cirrhosis. The enzyme level of the liver did not show marked changes after partial hepatectomy in either normal or cirrhotic rats. In contrast, the plasma basal level was significantly higher in cirrhotic rats and increased to a peak at 6 h, followed by a decrease to a minimum level 24 h after operation. The enzyme returned to its high plasma basal level at 36 h after partial hepatectomy, when the liver had recovered to 70% of its initial weight. In rats with normal liver the plasma beta-hexosaminidase showed another pattern, with a rapid increase at 6 h and thereafter gradually reaching a peak at 36 h after hepatectomy. We conclude that the cells responsible for increased plasma beta-hexosaminidase in cirrhotic rats are situated in the liver.