Effects of adrenocorticotrophic and somatotrophic hormones of the hypophysis and of cortisone on certain aspects of nitrogen metabolism in experimental toxic hepatitis

Summary

In experimental toxic hepatitis of rats caused by administration of CCl₄ a fall is found in the protein content of the liver, and in the rate of incorporation of methionine-S³⁵ into these proteins. When prolonged action ACTH (2–10 minutes) or cortisone (1 mg) are injected at the same time as the CCl₄ the rate of incorporation of methionine-S³⁵ is raised. Higher doses (3 mg) of cortisone had the opposite effect. Administration of somatotrophic hormone prevents loss of weight of CCl₄-poisoned rats. Only a small rise in the protein content of the liver, and in the rate of incorporation of methionine-S³⁵ into the proteins were found at a dosage level of 2 mg of STH. The protein content of the kidneys, and the rate of incorporation of methionine-S³⁵ are increased with dosage levels of 1 mg of STH. At a dosage level of 3 mg a fall in the protein content of the kidneys was found. Administration of STH did not affect the protein content of muscles, or the rate of incorporation of methionine-S³⁵ into the muscle proteins.