Influence of Age and Spironolactone on Lysosomal Enzyme Activities, DNA and Protein Content of the Rat Liver after Partial Hepatectomy

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Abstract
Measurements of DNA and protein content and determinations of lysosomal enzyme activities (.beta.-glucuronidase, .beta.-acetylglucosaminidase, cathepsin D) were performed in the rat liver following partial hepatectomy and spironolactone administration. The rats (SIV) were divided into 3 age-groups: 6 wk old, 10 mo. old and 18 mo. old. Sixty h after the administration of spironolactone (2 .times. 10 mg Aldactone/100 g body wt/day orally via gastric tube for 3 days) partial hepatectomy was performed. The removed 2/3 of the liver and the regenerating liver (24 h after partial hepatectomy) were prepared for the biochemical examinations at 4.degree. C. The measurements of the enzyme activities were performed in liver homogenates. The administration of spironolactone caused a wt increase in the normal as well as in the regenerating liver, especially in the older animals; an increase of the protein content of the normal liver in the oldest age-group; a decrease in the DNA content of the normal and regenerating liver of old rats and an age-dependent increase or decrease of the 3 lysosomal enzymes .beta.-glucuronidase, .beta.-acetylglucosaminidase and cathepsin D.