Regulation of albumin expression in fetal rat hepatocytes cultured under proliferative conditions: role of epidermal growth factor and hormones.

Sustained production of plasma proteins, notably albumin, is a reliable indicator of the differentiated state of hepatocytes. In this work, we have developed a fetal hepatocyte culture system where studying the regulation of albumin expression in proliferating liver cells. Our results show that under proliferative conditions (i.e., in the presence of EGF) fetal hepatocytes maintain albumin production above control quiescent non-treated cells. Glucagon and noradrenaline have no effect on the proliferation induced by EGF in cultured fetal hepatocytes; however, they act synergistically with the growth factor, increasing intracellular albumin levels. The maximum response is obtained by treatment of cells with EGF and noradrenaline. The stimulatory noradrenergic effect is mimicked by agents that increase cyclic AMP levels (forskolin plus IBMX). However, vasopressin or phorbol esters have no effect on albumin production, neither alone nor in combination with EGF. Dexamethasone, which does not alter the proliferative induction of EGF, increases albumin content. This effect is independent of the proliferative status of the cells and is not enhanced by glucagon, noradrenaline, or cyclic AMP increasing agents. The hormonal changes observed in albumin production partially correlate with changes in mRNA levels. This is the first time that cyclic AMP increasing agents are shown to act synergistically with EGF, increasing the expression of this liver specific gene.