Final answer:
The analyte that increases in acute hepatocellular damage in horses is Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST); whereas Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) also rises in acute liver damage, Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) is sensitive to sub-clinical liver dysfunctions, and Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) can rise due to hepatobiliary disorders or activity in other tissues.
Step-by-step explanation:
Liver Enzymes and Hepatocellular Damage in Horses
The level that increases in acute hepatocellular damage in horses, but is a labile analyte, is Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST). While Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) rises dramatically in acute liver damage, such as viral hepatitis or an overdose of medications like acetaminophen, AST is raised in acute liver damage as well but is less specific since it is also present in red cells and cardiac and skeletal muscles.
Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) is somewhat specific to liver function but tends to increase even with minor, sub-clinical liver dysfunctions, often involving cholestatic liver disease or alcohol toxicity. Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) can rise with large bile duct obstructions or other hepatobiliary disorders but is not exclusive to the liver as it is also present in bone and placental tissue.