Quantitative liver functions after 70% hepatectomy

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Abstract
Following 70% hepatectomy on rats, the galactose elimination capacity, taken as a measure of the cytosolic liver function, was reduced from 2.55 .+-. 0.48 to 1.27 .+-. 0.29 (mean .+-. SEM [standard error of the mean]) .mu.mol/min. Six hours later it was restored to control values. The prothrombin index, representing the function of the endoplasmic reticulum, was reduced from 1.13 .+-. 0.02 to 0.34 .+-. 0.02 (arbitrary units) after 12 h, and it was restored after 96 h. The rapid normalization of the initial fall in the capacity to metabolize galactose reflects a 2- to 3-fold increase of the galactose metabolizing capacity of the remaining liver. Liver functions are dissociated in time following 70% hepatectomy in the rat. The galactose elimination capacity is restored before regeneration can compensate for the loss in liver cell mass.