The respiratory metabolism of regenerating rat liver.

Summary 1.The oxygen consumption of regenerating rat liver was significantly higher than that of normal liver or of liver from sham-operated animals. This increase lasted for more than 21 days following partial hepatectomy. 2.Although the original weight of the liver may be replaced within 14 days after partial hepatectomy, the metabolism of the “regenerated” liver is not normal for a long time after 14 days. 3.Succinic dehydrogenase and cytochrome oxidase activities were markedly decreased at 48 and 72 hours after partial hepatectomy. Sham operation had no effect on the activity of these two enzymes in the liver.