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J Bacteriol. 1969 March; 97(3): 1018-1025
Copyright © 1969 American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Effect of Endotoxin and Cortisone on Synthesis of Ribonucleic Acid and Protein in Livers of Mice¹

^a Department of Biology, Bryn Mawr College, Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania 19010

ABSTRACT

The effect of cortisone and endotoxin, singly and in combination, on ribonucleic acid (RNA) synthesis in livers of adrenalectomized mice was determined. This was accomplished by measuring the incorporation either of inorganic ³²P or of ¹⁴C-orotic acid into the RNA. Under similar conditions, the effect of these agents on the rate of protein synthesis was examined with the use of ¹⁴C-leucine. Bacterial endotoxin was found to augment the uptake of isotope in the RNA and in the protein of the liver. These reactions did not appear to be mediated via the pancreatic hormone insulin, which was found to depress the incorporation of the radioactive compounds into RNA. Cortisone increased the uptake of isotope in liver RNA but depressed the incorporation of leucine into hepatic protein. These results indicate that the previously observed ability of endotoxin to prevent the hormone induction of hepatic enzymes, such as tryptophan oxygenase, is not associated with impaired synthesis of liver RNA or protein.

² Recipient of a Training Grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Present address: Department of Biology, St. Joseph's College, Philadelphia, Pa. 19131.

¹ This paper is taken from a dissertation submitted by the senior author to the Faculty of Bryn Mawr College in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Ph.D. degree.