MALDI-imaging: a tool to study lipid distribution in liver tissue during regeneration

Liver is the central organ of intermediary metabolism. Upon intoxication of mice with CCl4 pericentral hepatocytes die due to the generation of reactive oxygen species. A rapid regeneration process starts. Already 2d after intoxication the concentration of lipids within the viable part of remaining liver tissue increased, as can be shown by Oil Red O staining. It has been suggested (Michalopoulos 2009) that these lipids are used as fuel and building blocks for the regeneration of new hepatic cells. After 7 days regeneration is complete, enzymatic activities of the pericentral hepatocytes (e.g. glutamine syntheta…