[Cyclic AMP response to glucagon after partial hepatectomy].

To clarify the functional recovery of the liver after partial hepatectomy, serum c-AMP responses to glucagon were investigated after hepatectomy in rats. Serum glucagon, insulin and weight of the regenerating liver were simultaneously measured. Wistar strain male rats, weighing 120-130 g, were divided into three groups; I 30% hepatectomy, II 70% hepatectomy and III sham operation. On the first postoperative day, cyclic AMP response to glucagon was remarkably decreased in I and II groups. In group I, c-AMP response returned to the normal level 2 weeks after operation. In group II the response returned to normal at the sixth postoperative week. The liver weights were almost normal after two weeks in the both groups. Levels of serum glucagon sharply increased 24 hours after operation and returned to the normal level after 7 days. However the levels of serum insulin showed no remarkable changes. In conclusion, the complete functional recovery of the liver after hepatectomy needed 6 weeks in cyclic AMP response to glucagon and was delayed 4 weeks to that of the liver weight after 70% hepatectomy. Insulin seems to have no direct effect of the liver regeneration.