Enhanced RNA and protein synthesis in vitro in astrocytes derived from rats in the early stage of experimental hepatogenic encephalopathy.

Astroglia-enriched cell fractions derived from rats with the early symptoms of hepatogenic encephalopathy (HE) following treatment with thioacetamide, showed an increase above control ability to incorporate radioactive precursors into RNA and proteins. These results lend support to the idea that overall stimulation of macromolecular syntheses is an important aspect of astroglial reaction preceding the appearance in astrocytes of progressive morphological changes characterizing more advanced stages of HE.