[Increase in the level of augmenter of liver regeneration mRNA in the rat regenerating liver after partial hepatectomy].

Augmenter of liver regeneration (ALR) is a novel hepatic stimulator. After 70% of the rat liver was removed, ALR-like activity in the remnant liver began to increase within 24 h. In parallel with the activity, the ALR mRNA level in the remnant liver increased 12 h after the operation and reached a maximum in 24 h. These findings indicate that the liver itself produces ALR, which may be a hepatotropic factor acting as a trigger for liver regeneration.