Alpha-fetoprotein and liver cell proliferation in rats fed choline-deficient diet.
Liver 3H-thymidine labelling index and serum AFP were determined in rats fed a standard laboratory or choline deficient diet. A significant increase in the rate of liver cell proliferation was evidenced in animals on the deficient diet. Furthermore, elevated serum AFP levels were detected in a proportion of these rats. It is suggested that increased synthesis of AFP corresponds to liver cell regeneration secondary to hepatic damage.
D000818:Animals; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000378:metabolism; D002455:Cell Division; D002796:Choline Deficiency; D004032:Diet; D005260:Female; D005326:Fetal Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D008099:Liver / Q000166:cytology*; D008113:Liver Neoplasms; D051381:Rats; D012038:Regeneration; D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins / Q000096:biosynthesis*
D005326:Fetal Proteins; D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins