Developmental pattern of the hepatic DNA, RNA and protein in relation to maternal vitamin A status in rats.

The effect of maternal vitamin A restriction on the biochemical development of fetal liver in rats has been studied. Vitamin A status of the dams has been varied by supplying low, medium and adequate (6.40 and 100 micrograms retinol equivalents/day/kg body weight respectively) amounts of vitamin A during pregnancy and suckling. The restricted supply of vitamin A to the mother resulted in the impaired growth and development of fetal liver in the parameters of tissue weight, DNA, RNA and protein levels, cell number and biosynthesis of DNA and protein from 3H-thymidine and 3H-leucine respectively. Results also indicated a dose dependent effect of vitamin A on the metabolism of DNA, RNA and protein in the developing liver.