Amino acid incorporation into liver proteins during hemorrhagic shock in the dog.

Liver protein synthesis was studied with an in vitro method during and after 1 h of hemorrhagic shock in the dog. Protein synthesis was significantly decreased already 15 min after induction of hypovolemia and was about 50% of the initial value at the end of the shock period. 2 h following retransfusion, protein synthesis was normalized. Some of the underlying mechanisms leading to decreased protein synthesis in hemorrhagic shock are discussed. Serum concentrations of liver enzymes were unchanged during the shock period indicating that the liver metabolism may be affected without changes in parameters often used to evaluated liver function.