The influence of Tołpa Peat Preparation (TPP) on rat liver regeneration.

The effect of Tolpa peat preparation (TPP) on the regenerative response has been examined in rats submitted to two thirds hepatectomy. The ornithine decarboxylase activity, spermidine and histamine levels, DNA and RNA content, RNA/DNA ratio and the mass of restituted liver were used to test the intensity of the regenerative processes. The action of TPP is dual: a short-term application of TPP at a dose of 20 mg/kg/day causes an inhibition of the ornithine decarboxylase activity, the decrease in spermidine formation, the levels of DNA and RNA, and liver restitution. The multiple application of TPP, on the other hand, results in a stimulation of ornithine decarboxylase, the increase in spermidine and histamine as well as RNA and DNA levels in regenerating liver; concomitantly, the liver mass tends to increase in TPP treated groups. TPP might exert its effects, at least partially, by interfering with polyamine biosynthesis.