Change in annexin A3 expression by regulatory factors of hepatocyte growth in primary cultured rat hepatocytes.

We have recently reported that annexin (Anx) A3 expression is necessary for hepatocyte growth in cultured rat hepatocytes seeded at half the subconfluent density on collagen. In the present study, we investigated the effects of various regulatory factors of hepatocyte growth on AnxA3 expression. AnxA3 expression was significantly reduced in hepatocytes cultured under various growth inhibitory conditions such as presence of dexamethasone, culture at subconfluent cell density, and on EHS-Matrigel and lactose-carrying styrene polymer. On the other hand, hepatocyte growth factor and epidermal growth factor, stimulators of hepatocyte growth, significantly increased AnxA3 expression in hepatocytes cultured on EHS-Matrigel. These results show close correlation between known stimulatory or inhibitory actions of various factors to hepatocyte growth and increase or decrease in AnxA3 expression, and suggest the involvement of AnxA3 in their regulation of hepatocyte growth.