Developmental changes in the expression of alpha-fetoprotein and albumin genes in rat liver: correlation of rates of synthesis of the two proteins in the hepatocytes, their hepatic contents and serum levels during development
Ali, M.; Sahib, M.K.
Indian Journal of Biochemistry and Biophysics 20(4): 218-221
1983
ISSN/ISBN: 0301-1208 PMID: 6200426 Document Number: 202937
The rate of .alpha.-fetoprotein (AFP) synthesis in the hepatocytes, its hepatic content and serum level during ontogeny of rat show a reciprocal relationship with albumin. The rate of AFP synthesis in the hepatocytes declined with age when compared to the rate observed in 18 day embryonic (E) rats, and was turned off after 21 day of postnatal life. The rate of albumin synthesis increased with age, when compared to the level observed in hepatocytes from adult rat. The ratios of the rates of albumin to AFP syntheses were 0.05, 0.10, 0.28, 0.35 and 48 in 18E, 1, 7, 14, 21P (postnatal) rats, respectively, indicating a decrease in the rate of AFP gene during development. Hepatic AFP content as well as serum AFP level declined with age, also indicating a decrease in its rate of synthesis in the hepatocytes. Age related increase in hepatic albumin content and serum level are also in agreement with a proportionate increase in its rate of synthesis in the hepatocytes.