Synthesis and secretion of plasma proteins by isolated hepatocytes of analbuminemic rats.

The synthesis and secretion of plasma proteins by isolated hepatocytes from the liver of Nagase analbuminemia rats (NAR) were investigated. NAR hepatocytes did not synthesize any albumin, but showed enhanced synthesis and secretion of several other plasma proteins, including transferrin, hemopexin, ceruloplasmin and fibrinogen. The lag period before the secretion of transferrin in NAR hepatocytes decreased. These findings indicate that the increased concentration of plasma globulins in NAR may be due to their enhanced synthesis and secretion in the liver.