Transient expression of a brain/embryonic-type myosin heavy chain isoform (MIIB2) in regenerating rat liver

The expressions of non-muscle-type (MIIA) and brain/embryonic-type (MIIB2) myosin heavy-chain isoforms in regenerating rat liver were examined. In regenerating liver after partial hepatectomy, the level of MIIA was nearly constant, while that of MIIB2 increased transiently. The level of MIIB2 was very low in normal livers, and increased gradually and then declined with a peak at the 4th day, when the regeneration was almost completed. The level of proliferating cell nuclear antigen was highest at the 2nd day. Serine dehydratase activity in the liver decreased on partial hepatectomy, began to increase at the 5th day, and reached 71% of the control at the 7th day. These results suggest that MIIB2 plays a role in reconstruction or differentiation of the regenerating tissues rather than in proliferation of hepatocytes.