Effect of Adrenalectomy on Cadmium- and Turpentine-Induced Hepatic Synthesis of Metallothionein and Alpha(sub 2)-Macrofetoprotein in the Rat
Abstract
Recent reports have strongly implicated glucocorticoids in the induction of hepatic metallothionein synthesis and hypozincemia which occurs in certain pathophysiologic conditions. Studies were performed in rats to determine the effect of adrenalectomy and glucocorticoid treatment on the hepatic accumulation of metallothionein subsequent to the administration of cadmium and turpentine, two diverse substances known to induce hypozincemia and hepatic synthesis of metallothionein as well as alpha2-macrofetoprotein in intact rats. By 24 h, both substances induced significant hypozincemia, hepatic metallothionein accumulation, and a severe tissue inflammatory response in adrenalectomized rats. Adrenalectomy only prevented the increase in plasma alpha2-macrofetoprotein concentration. Results indicate that hepatic synthesis of alpha2-macrofetoprotein, but not metallothionein, is mediated by adrenal hormones. Thus, glucocorticoids do not play a "vital" role in hepatic metallothionein accumulation or hypozincemia induced by inflammatory stress, as previously postulated.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA110173
Entities
People
- E. C. Hauer
- G. L. Knutsen
- P. Z. Sobocinski
- W. J. Canterbury Jr.
Organizations
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases