Effect of Partial Hepatectomy on Liver Catalase Activity in Normal and Protein-Depleted Rats

Abstract

The regeneration of liver tissue does not significantly decrease the total quantity of remaining liver catalase between 5 and 350 hrs. postoperatively. Total catalase activity gradually increases in both groups of animals after a 50-60 hrs. postoperative lag. Complete recovery is obtained in the protein-fed group, only partial recovery in the protein-depleted group at 350 hrs. The expression of liver catalase activity on a N basis yields initial depressed values in both groups, due to the more rapid initial liver N regeneration. An initial decrease of kidney catalase activity is obtained in the protein depleted group. Hepatectomy had no effect on the erythrocyte or plasma volumes in normal and protein-depleted rats.