Biopolymers and cell. 1997; 13 (2): 168 - 172

The potential targets of Kupffer cells activity during liver regeneration

M. Yu. Obolenskaya

This paper addresses possible causal and kinetic correlations between production of biologically active molecules by Kupffer cells and biochemical events in regenerating liver after partial hepatectomy. The expression and activity of some genes and enzymes were evaluated that are potential targets for regulation by Kupffer cells, e. g. transcriptional factors coded by the nuclear protooncogenes, c-fos and c-myc, a tissue-specific gene P45QIIE1 and 2'5'oligo(A) synthetase. The results were compared with data about Kupffer cell activity during regeneration. Kupffer cells manifest their specific activities during transition of hepatocytes from quiescence to the first cell cycle and during the promotion of the last one. After termination of these functions the macrophages themselves enter into a cell cycle. These phenomena indicate a regulatory role of mesenchymal cells in triggering and promoting liver regeneration.