[Stimulation of RNA synthesis in rat liver and isolated hepatocytes by silybin, an antihepatotoxic agent from Silybum marianum L. Gaertn (author's transl)].

The incorporation of [3H] orotic acid into RNA from rat livers is stimulated by the flavonolignane derivative Silybin. The time course of the RNA synthesis and its dose dependence were demonstrated with isolated hepatocytes and [3H]uridine. The specific radioactivity of the newly synthesized RNA in rats treated with silybin is markedly higher than that of the controls. From preliminary experiments there is no indication that the synthesis of a distinct species of RNA is stimulated preferentially.