ALPHA FETOPROTEIN (AFP) IN BENIGN LIVER-DISEASE - EVIDENCE THAT NORMAL LIVER-REGENERATION DOES NOT INDUCE AFP SYNTHESIS

Abstract

Sera samples (100), obtained during the early postoperative period from 11 patients after a partial hepatectomy, were assayed for .alpha.-fetoprotein (AFP). None were AFP-positive by radioimmunoassay, despite clinical and biochemical recovery associated with normal liver regeneration. AFP was elevated in 29% of patients with acute hepatitis, 34% of patients with chronic active hepatitis, and in 75% of patients with massive hepatic necrosis. The mechanism and significance of AFP elevations in some patients with acute and chronic hepatitis is uncertain but probably does not reflect normal liver regeneration.