Effect of portal branch ligation on polyamine metabolism in rat liver.

The activity of ornithine decarboxylase and the intracellular concentrations of putrescine and spermidine in the non-ligated lobes of the liver increased after portal branch ligation. These changes were followed by increased [3H]thymidine uptake into the acid-insoluble fraction of the liver. The induction of ornithine decarboxylase and changes in intracellular polyamines are important biochemical events in liver regeneration, so our results suggest that portal branch ligation causes formation of some stimuli that trigger liver regeneration. Changes were less with ligation than with partial hepatectomy.