[Biochemical and immunohistochemical studies on alteration of aldolase isozymes in rat liver in the process of hepatocarcinogenesis by administration of a diet containing 3'-methyl-4-dimethylaminoazobenzene].

Aldolase A, B, and C were determined in rat liver and serum by radioimmunoassay (RIA) in order to evaluate the alteration of these isozymes in the process of hepatocarcinogenesis induced by 3'-methyl-4-dimethylaminoazobenzene (3'-Me-DAB), and the immunohistochemical technique was also used for the analysis of localization of aldolase isozymes. Aldolase A was increased in cancer tissues of 3'-Me-DAB induced hepatoma, whereas aldolase B was decreased in the same tissues according to both RIA and the immunohistochemical technique. During the promotion stage of hepatocarcinogenesis, the cells in hyperplastic nodules, which are known as preneoplastic lesions, were stained for aldolase A. Aldolase C was slightly increased in cancer tissues by RIA, suggesting the increase of A-C hybrid like A3C which was demonstrated by the electrophoretic method. Serum aldolase A levels were not significantly elevated in rats with liver cancer in comparison to rats with non-cancer.