Release of matrix proteins from mitochondria to cytosol during the prereplicative phase of liver regeneration

70% partial hepatectomy (PH) in the rat causes a release, into the cytosolic fraction, of mitochondrial matrix proteins, namely the mitochondrial isoform of aspartate aminotransferase (mAAT) and malate dehydrogenase (MDH), during the first 24 h after PH, when no growth of the residual liver is observed. After this time interval, the weight of the liver starts to increase and the normal weight is reached at 96 h after PH. This proliferative phase is characterized by a progressive recovery of the normal levels of intramitochondrial activities of mAAT and MDH. Mitochondria isolated at 24 h after PH show a membrane permeabilization to sucrose accompanied by a release of matrix enzymes; both are blocked by cyclosporin A. These results suggest an alteration of mitochondrial membrane integrity, during the prereplicative phase of liver regeneration, with the occurrence of an increased permeability that allows the passage into the cytosol of matrix enzymes.