[The influence of adrenalectomy on DNA-synthesis in the liver after partial hepatectomy and on corticosterone concentration of the serum in rats (author's transl)].

UNLABELLED

Problemacy: In an earlier paper we have reported the influence of adrenalectomy on DNA-synthesis in rat liver and found that during the first 2 days the incorporation of H3 thymidine is elevated). (DESSER-WIEST 1974). Therefore we have examined the DNA-synthesis in regenerating live of rats with and without adrenals.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

300 g male rats were adrenalectomized and 14 days later 2/3 hepatectomized. One group of animals were bled and the concentration of corticosterone in serum was determined by a radioprotein-binding method (SPATH and JOZAN 1972). The other group of animals were injected with H3thymidine at 9 a.m. All animals were killed between 10:00 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. The incorporation of H3thymidine was determined by the method of BURTON (1969). In adrenalectomized animals, the onset of liver regeneration was found to be retarded for 18 hours, the maximum of DNA-synthesis was depressed.

RESULTS

The corticosterone concentration of the serum was 17,8 mug/100 ml serum in contro animals and was undetectable in animals during the first and second day after adrenalectomy, thereafter the steroid level increased. A third of the amount found in control animals was found 14 days after operation. Partial hepatectomy, caused an increase of the corticosterone level in serum of animals with and without adrenals. In castrated and adrenalectomized animals no corticosterone in serum was found. The importance of corticosterone for liver regeneration is discussed.