On the possible role of biliverdin stimulation of cyclic AMP levels as a trigger for liver regeneration in the rat.

Contrary to a recent report by Okazaki et al. (Biochem. biophys. Res. Commun., 1978, 81, 512-520) we show that high concentrations of biliverdin (100 mg/kg, i.p.) slightly reduce the mitotic rate in rat liver. Adenylate cyclase and both the "high Km" and "low Km" phosphodiesterase of rat liver plasma membranes are inhibited by high concentrations of biliverdin. Biliverdin has no effect on cyclic AMP production in isolated hepatocytes. An intracellular binding protein (glutathione-S-transferase B) is shown to bind biliverdin providing a mechanism for maintaining a low free intracellular concentration of the tetrapyrrole analogous to that of albumin in plasma. In conclusion, these results are not consistent with a role for biliverdin in stimulating liver regeneration in the rat via a mechanism involving elevated cyclic AMP levels.