[Esterase spectrum in the hepatocytes and Kupffer cells of regenerating liver]

The esterase spectra of hepatocytes and Kupffer's cells from the regenerating rat liver were studied following partial hepatectomy. The starch-gen electrophoresis method was used. The relative number of Kupffer's cells, per cent of phagocytising Kupffer's cells, as well as mitotic rate of hepatocytes were determined. Hepatocyte esterase spectra from the intact liver consisted of six, whereas that of Kupffer's cells--of five zones of the enzyme activity. A "simplification" of hepatocyte esterase spectra could be seen 2 1/2 hours after partial hepatectomy. Additional activity bands appeared in 9 hours; these could be identified for a period of up to 24 hours after the operation. The initiar esterase spectrum was regained within 48 hours. The same tendency was observed in Kupffer's cells, but no full restoration of the enzyme spectra was observed 72 hours after partial hepatectomy.