[Effect of denervation on macromolecular metabolism in electric tissue of Electrophorus electricus (L)].

Unilateral denervation of the principal electric organ of the Electrophorus electricus produces in the denervated an increase of its content of RNA. This increase results, as shown by radioactive incorporation, from an increase in RNA synthesis and is followed by an increase in aminoacid incorporation by proteins. Protein concentration does not change significantly, implying that a change of the proteic pattern occurs. The increase in the RNA content follows denervation rather rapidly but comes down to approximately 10% of the initial value sixty days afterwards.