Protein and fat metabolism of hepatocytes from hyperosmolar non-ketotic diabetic rats.

The secretion of newly synthesized proteins and urea, triacylglycerol and beta-hydroxybutyrate by hepatocytes in cultures from normal and hyperosmolar non-ketotic diabetic rats has been compared. Secretion of protein and of urea was very similar in the two preparations. Secretion of protein was enhanced by addition of insulin to the culture medium, that of urea was decreased. Output of triacylglycerol was substantially greater and output of beta-hydroxybutyrate much reduced in hepatocytes from the diabetic rats in comparison with controls during the 1st day of culture.