Isozyme pattern of fructose diphosphate aldolase during hepatocarcinogenesis induced by 2-acetylaminofluorene in rat liver.

The biosynthesis of aldolase A and B subunits has been studied in rat liver during the administration of carcinogen AAF4. Transition from a predominance of aldolase B to A was observed during carcinogenesis in rat liver. Changes in isozymic pattern and FDP to F-1-P cleavage activity ratio were observed before histological alterations typical of hepatoma could be detected. Our data support the hypothesis of dedifferentiation during hepatocarcinogenesis which in an early stage results in switching on of the gene for aldolase A with simultaneous continuation of biosynthesis of aldolase B within single cells.