Polyamine biosynthesis and monooxygenase enzyme activity in rat liver cirrhosis and regeneration

Chemically induced liver cirrhosis in the rat was associated with an increased biosynthesis of the hepatic polyamines putrescine and spermidine and a reduction in the activities of the cytochrome P-450-associated monooxygenase enzymes aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase, ethoxycoumarin O-deethylase and ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase. These parameters were normalized after a 4-week spontaneous regeneration period. The results suggest an independent regulatory mechanism of polyamine biosynthesis and monooxygenase expression.