Effect of somatocrinin and a somatostatin antiserum on liver growth in the rat.

This study examines the effects of somatocrinin (GRF) and somatostatin antiserum (ASS) alone, and in combination, on liver growth. Twenty-four-day-old rats were injected s.c. twice daily for 14 days with either saline or GRF (4 and 20 micrograms X kg-1). ASS was given i.p. every 2 days. GRF alone had no effect on liver weight, but produced hyperplasia and increased RNA content. ASS alone had no effect on RNA, DNA, and protein contents. Potentiation of the effects of GRF by ASS was observed on liver weight and DNA content. Indeed, this combined treatment resulted in increased organ weight and hyperplasia at an intermediary level of GRF. These data indicate that a strong interaction exists between GRF and ASS on the control of liver growth, possibly through the release of growth hormone (GH).