Cytidine 3',5'-monophosphate phosphodiesterase: decreased activity in the regenerating and developing liver.

A decrease in the activity of the enzyme cytidine 3',5'-monophosphate (cyclic CMP) phosphodiesterase was noted in the regenerating liver of young rats as early as 8 hours after partial hepatectomy, with a maximum decrease occurring 12 hours after the surgery. In comparison, in old rats which showed a slower liver growth, the maximum decrease in the activity of cyclic CMP phosphodiesterase was smaller and occurred at a much later time (2 days after surgery). A similar decrease in the enzyme activity was observed in the fetal liver of guinea pigs. These findings suggest that regulation of tissue concentration of cyclic CMP may be crucial for the regeneration and development of the liver.