Hepatic activity in the generation of somatomedins: effects of administration of a liver extract
Pallotti, S.; Paolucci, D.; Isidori, A.
International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Biopharmacy 16(8): 351-356
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0340-0026 PMID: 689794 Document Number: 137521
The problem of the generation of growth factors (somatomedins) (SM) is at present a matter of investigation. The liver has been proposed as the primary site of production of SM. In order to verify this hypothesis, SM activity has been assayed in patients with impairment of liver function. The subjects have been divided into three groups according to the severity of the hepatic damage, assessed with conventional diagnostic tests. In every group, somatomedin A (ASM) has been assayed by means of a biological procedure, in basal conditions and after treatment with a liver extract. The results show that the ASM activity is reduced in proportion to the degree of hepatic damage. The administration of liver extract restores the production of the ASM in the first two groups of patients, i.e. in those with mild and moderate hepatic involvement.