Accumulation of insulin and glucagon in the liver (via portal vein catheter or with liposomes) does not stimulate liver cell regeneration after partial hepatectomy in normal or portocaval shunted rats.

The regenerative activity of the liver parenchyma after two-thirds hepatectomy was examined in normal rats and rats with a fresh or 7-day-old portocaval shunt. The parameter for regeneration was the incorporation of 3H-thymidine into DNA. The exogenous supply of insulin and glucagon--both potential stimulators of regeneration--by permanent infusion into the portal vein, or by several injections of the liposome-encapsulated hormones, did not significantly stimulate the rate of regeneration normally controlled by endogenous pancreatic hormones.