Developmental changes of rat liver cytoplasmic and mitochondrial aconitate hydratases

The developmental patterns of the activity of cytoplasmic and mitochondrial aconitate hydratses of rat liver have been studied. Both activities are low in foetal liver, with respect to adult levels, and begin to increase after birth. The activity of the mitochondrial enzyme reaches a maximum about two days after birth, then decreasing gradually to adult level. The activity of the cytoplasmic enzyme reaches its maximum level, nearly equal to adult level, about ten days after birth. The developmental pattern of the activity of the cytoplasmic aconitate hydratase may suggest a possible role of this enzyme in gluconeogenesis.