[The localization of alpha-fetoprotein and the gap-junction protein Cx32 in the regenerating mouse liver].

The data on distribution of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and gap junction protein Cx32 in mouse liver regenerating after carbon tetrachloride poisoning are presented. On the second day, when a significant number of AFP-positive cells appear in the liver, Cx32-specific staining was lost from major part of the "intact" parenchyma. On the third day numerous AFP-positive cells could be localized only in the narrow perinecrotic area. By that time, Cx32-specific staining appeared again in major part of liver parenchyma except perinecrotic areas where AFP-containing cells were located. The number of Cx32-negative cells always exceeded that of AFP-positive cells. The latter, however, were always located in Cx32-negative areas. Thus, correlation between appearance of AFP in adult hepatocytes in vivo and disturbance of gap junctions was observed which was described earlier in cultured adult hepatocytes.