MULTIPARAMETER FLOW CYTOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF HEPATIC NUCLEAR-RNA AND DNA OF NORMAL AND HEPATOTOXIN-TREATED MICE

  • 1 January 1984
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 115  (1) , 31-35
Abstract
Combined immunohistologic and flow cytometric methods were used to monitor the regenerative response of the mouse liver following i.p. administration of the hepatonecrotic agent CCl4. A slight increase in the percentage of liver nuclei engaged in DNA synthesis (S-phase population) was evident 1 day after CCl4. The percentage of S-phase nuclei increased thereafter, lasting until day 6 after CCl4 with a peak at day 2 after CCl4. The method of sampling used (every 24 h) places the period of maximal DNA synthetic activity 48-72 h after inoculation of the hepatonecrotic agent; at 48 h the number of S-phase nuclei was approximately 5 times higher than the nonregenerating liver. Modified multiparametric flow cytofluorimetric analysis of hepatic nuclei indicated that early repopulation of the liver in response to CCl4-induced necrosis involved the selective proliferation of a specific subpopulation of liver cells which contained diploid nuclei of high RNA content. These nuclei were also observed in control animals, suggesting the existence of a subcompartment of 2C DNA content G1 hepatocytes potentially programmed for replacement proliferation.