Abstract
Summary
The induction of tryptophan pyrrolase by hydrocortisone has been studied in the regenerating rat liver. An initial depression of response, presumably related to the operative procedure, was observed in both sham operated and partially hepatectomized animals. In partially hepatectomized animals, a second depression was observed during that period in which DNA synthesis has been shown to occur. It has been suggested that alterations in enzyme control mechanisms, such as the failure of tryptophan pyrrolase induction by cortisone in minimum deviation hepatomas, may be a fundamental biochemical alteration in tumors. This study shows that a depressed response to hormonal enzyme induction is found in non-neoplastic hepatic cells preparing to divide.
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