Protein synthesis in liver and extra-hepatic tissues after partial hepatectomy.

Effects of partial hepatectomy on protein synthesis were defined in liver and extra-hepatic tissues of the mature rat. Studies were performed at 24 h and 48 h after surgery in the absence of the dietary input. Protein accretion in the regenerating liver preceded mitosis, but was accompanied by increases in RNA content and fractional rates of protein synthesis (ks). A positive relationship existed between protein-synthetic capacity and ks over the period of study. Increases in ks also bore a positive relationship with increases in translational efficiency. Extra-hepatic tissues showing decreased rates of protein synthesis after liver resection included kidney, striated muscles and brain. Effects were observed mainly at 24 h after surgery and resulted from decreased translational efficiency. Partial hepatectomy increased ks in diaphragm and tibia at both 24 h and 48 h after surgery. In diaphragm, there was net protein accretion, and, as in liver, increases in ks were due to increases in both protein-synthetic capacity and efficiency.