Effects of corticosterone on endogenous metabolism in the isolated perfused liver of normal and prematurely weaned rats
Macho, L.; Ficková, M.; Strbák, V.; Hromadová, M.
Physiologia Bohemoslovaca 27(6): 493-500
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0369-9463 PMID: 152924 Document Number: 130272
The isolated liver of control and prematurely weaned rats was perfused with medium with and without added corticosterone. Short-term perfusion without the hormone was followed by a drop in the amount of DNA, urea and proteins and by a significant increase in the NEFA concentration; no changes were found in the glucose, glycogen, cholesterol and lactate content. Corticosterone (in the concentration normally present in the rat under resting conditions) was found to induce changes in the amount of the above substances in the liver and in glucose and urea release into the perfusion medium. A decrease was observed in the lactic acid content and an increase in the urea concentration in the liver, in agreement with the stimulating effect of corticosterone on gluconeogenesis. Despite this, the glucose concentration in the liver fell, owing to raised glucose release into the perfusion medium. An increase in the total lipid content and mild elevation of the NEFA level was also found in the liver after corticosterone; the cholesterol concentration was unaffected. The amount of the above substances in the liver of prematurely weaned animals was similar to the findings in control rats, except that the lactate concentration was significantly raised and the urea level was reduced. Corticosterone modified the levels of the given substances in the liver and the perfusion medium in the same way as in the controls, except that the urea release was less inhibited. Early weaning does not significantly modify the effect of corticosterone in the rat liver. No differences in the uptake of 14C-labeled corticosterone indicate that changes in the rate of metabolism of the hormone in the liver occur after early weaning in the isolated liver of the prematurely weaned or control animals.