Insulin-like growth factors (IGF I and IGF II) mimic the effect of insulin on plasma protein synthesis and glycogen deposition in cultured hepatocytes.

Monolayer cultures of chick embryo hepatocytes were used to compare the effects of insulin-like growth factors, IGF I and IGF II, with insulin on two hepatic functions: plasma protein production and glycogen deposition. Just as with exposure of the cells to insulin, addition of either IGF I or IGF II to the otherwise hormone-free medium elicited a dramatic change in the production of secretory proteins as well as the development of glycogen deposits equivalent to in vivo (fed) levels. No major differences between insulin, IGF I or IGF II were observed in terms of the degree of stimulation or potency of the hormones.