Hepatic functions of albino rats during lactation
Datta, U.K.; Maity, C.R.
Indian Journal of Medical Research 88: 51-56
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-5340 PMID: 3182036 Document Number: 325184
Liver functions were studied in virgin female albino rats (controls) and also in 21 day lactating rats. DNA, RNA, protein, glycogen, total lipids, phospholipids, cholesterol, triglycerides and FFA contents of whole liver were estimated from the microsomal fraction. As compared to the controls, contents of all constituents other than FFA were significantly increased either in the liver as a whole or the microsomal fraction in lactating rats. FFA content of whole liver was decreased significantly in lactating rats. There was no significant change in the aminotransferses and alkaline phosphatase activities in 21 day lactating rats. A marked enlargement of the liver, in relation to the maternal body weight unaccompanied by appreciable rise in per cent water control was noted. It is suggested that the enlargement of the liver during lactation is due to hypertrophy as well as storage of fat and glycogen.