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RNA synthesis in primary cultures of adult rat hepatocytes

Journal Article · · In Vitro; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02619508· OSTI ID:5299652

The ability of hepatocyte monolayers to synthesize RNA was investigated by measuring (3H)orotic acid incorporation into RNA and the total nuclear RNA polymerase activity as a function of the time in culture. The results demonstrate that primary cultures of hepatocytes maintained in a chemically defined serum- and hormone-free medium are able to synthesize RNA actively. This ability increases within the first 2 d of culture, despite the concomitant decrease in (3H)orotic acid uptake, and decreases only after 3 d. Factors such as serum, insulin, and dexamethasone, known to improve maintenance of functional hepatocytes, markedly stimulate the uptake of labeled precursor without apparently affecting the rate of RNA synthesis by cultured cells. It is suggested that the culture of adult rat hepatocytes provides a useful experimental model for the studies of hormonal regulation of transcription in liver.

Research Organization:
Istituto di Fisiologia Generale, Universita di Genova, Italy
OSTI ID:
5299652
Journal Information:
In Vitro; (United States), Journal Name: In Vitro; (United States) Vol. 19:4; ISSN ITCSA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English