Induction of cystathionase in foetal rat liver explants. Effects of dexamethasone, N-6, O-2 -dibutyryladenosine 3,5 -monophosphate and glucagon in vitro.

At the 18th day of gestation and thereafter foetal rat liver explants in organ culture showed the competence to respond to dexamethasone by increased cystathionase activity, whereas the ability to respond to dibutyryl cyclic AMP or glucagon became evident at a later developmental stage (during the last 2 days prior to term). Simultaneous incubation with cycloheximide inhibited the stimulatory effect of these agents on foetal rat liver cystathionase activity in vitro. Dexamethasone and glucagon were both capable of increasing liver cystathionase activity both in newborn and 3-day-old animals in vivo.