Changes at the liver cell level in rats subjected to protein-calorie malnutrition

The effect of a low protein-calorie diet (restricted diet) on cellular growth and on RNA metabolism in Wistar rat liver has been studied. Experimentation was carried out over 30 days and the comparisons were made against well-nourished group (10% protein, controls). Liver weight and hepatic proteins...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inRevista espanola de fisiologia Vol. 40; no. 2; p. 165
Main Authors Marcos, A, Muñoz-Martínez, E, Unzaga, M T, Rey de Viñas, J L, Varela, G
Format Journal Article
LanguageSpanish
Published Spain 01.06.1984
Subjects
Animals
Cell Count
Deoxyribonucleases - analysis
DNA - analysis
Liver - analysis
Liver - pathology
Male
Organ Size
Protein-Energy Malnutrition - pathology
Proteins - analysis
Rats
Rats, Inbred Strains
Ribonucleases - analysis
RNA - analysis
Online AccessGet more information

Cover

More Information
Summary:The effect of a low protein-calorie diet (restricted diet) on cellular growth and on RNA metabolism in Wistar rat liver has been studied. Experimentation was carried out over 30 days and the comparisons were made against well-nourished group (10% protein, controls). Liver weight and hepatic proteins dropped significantly in malnourished rats. Both rate of DNA and number of nuclei were unchanged. However, protein/DNA and liver weight/number of nuclei ratios decreased, which led to an atrophy phenomenon. DNase specific activity however, was not modified. Liver RNA content together with RNase activity dropped in deficient rats. Protein synthesis capacity (RNA/protein) did not change. These results suggest that restricted diet leads to a lower hepatocyte size with a decreased rat of RNA turnover.
ISSN:0034-9402