Modulation of acute phase protein synthesis in cultured rat hepatocytes by human recombinant hepatocyte growth factor.

Human recombinant hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) added to primary cultures of rat hepatocytes stimulates synthesis of some acute phase proteins, especially alpha-2-macroglobulin. As indicated by changes in mRNA abundance HGF increases alpha-2-macroglobulin production at the pretranslational level. Interleukin-6, the main acute-phase cytokine, does not show synergy with HGF in enhancing synthesis of alpha-2-macroglobulin, and inhibits HGF-induced DNA-synthesis. On the other hand, dexamethasone potentiates the effects of HGF on synthesis of DNA and acute phase proteins by cultured rat hepatocytes.