1994 Volume 68 Issue 8 Pages 445-449
Effects of folic acid on rat liver regeneration were evaluated by the activities of thymidylate synthase and thymidine kinase, which are rate-limiting enzymes of DNA synthesis in liver regeneration, and the contents of DNA, RNA and protein, and liver weight. By injection of folic acid immediately after partial (70%) hepatectomy, thymidine kinase activity was inhibited in the 24 h-regenerating liver, whereas thymidylate synthase activity increased in the 48 and 72 h-regenerating liver, The DNA and RNA contents and liver weight were also reduced in the 72 h-regenerating liver of folate-injected rats. These results suggest the stimulatory effect of folic acid on the induction of thymidylate synthase and the inhibitory effect on rat liver regeneration.
