[Atypical alpha fetoprotein-synthesizing cells in the regenerating mouse liver]

Ultrastructural localization of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) was studied with the use of the indirect immunoperoxidase technique in the regenerating liver of three strains of mice after CCl4 poisoning. Upon the use of monoclonal and monospecific antibodies AFP synthesis was revealed in part of mature hepatocytes and in smaller cells. No analogues of small cells were found in the normal liver. It is noted that there is structural similarity of atypical AFP-synthesizing cells to precursor cells of hepatocytes during chemical hepatocancerogenesis in rats. Approaches to identification of atypical cells are discussed.