Effects of glucocorticoids on microsomal membrane synthesis in hepatocytes from adrenalectomized rats.

Biochemical and morphological studies were performed on livers from normal, adrenalectomized (ADX), and ADX and dexamethasone (DEX)-treated rats to investigate the effects of glucocorticoids on microsomal membrane synthesis. Overnight fasted normal, ADX and ADX rats treated 2 or 4 h with DEX received [3H]leucine and [14C]glycerol. Livers were removed, and tissue specimens were prepared for electron microscopy and tissue fractionation. Liver microsomal subfractions were prepared and subsequently washed to produce rough and smooth microsomal membranes. Radioactivity and membrane composition were determined, and glucose-6-phosphatase activity was measured in washed microsomal membranes. Adrenalectomy caused decreased microsomal membrane synthesis. Two and 4 h of DEX administration restored microsomal membrane synthesis to normal levels. ADX also caused an alteration in composition of the microsomal membranes (reflected in decreased phospholipid-protein ratios), which was restored to normal levels by 4 h after DEX administration. The earliest effects of the hormone on membrane synthesis were observed in smooth microsomes as part of a smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) proliferation. These findings were supported by observations made with the electron microscope. The proliferating SER was enriched in at least one component: glucose-6-phosphatase. Although the specific relationship of SER to glucocorticoid action remains unclear, the interpretation is offered that SER proliferation and alteration in glucose-6-phosphatase distribution are component parts of the total response of the hepatocyte to glucocorticoids.