Heterogeneous distribution of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase in rat liver parenchyma, isolated, and cultured hepatocytes.

Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase was localized in rat liver parenchyma, as well as isolated and cultured hepatocytes by indirect immunofluorescence microscopy using antibodies against the enzyme raised in rabbits and purified by antigen-affinity-chromatography. 1. In fed and fasted rats the enzyme was heterogeneously distributed over the parenchyma. It was predominantly located in the periportal zone. 2. In hepatocytes shortly after isolation or cultured for 1 h the heterogeneity with respect to the enzyme content was maintained. 3. In hepatocytes cultured for 24 h and treated with glucagon the heterogeneity was lost. The results indicate that the heterogeneity of hepatocytes as to phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase content is due to a different expression of the genome.