Effect of Streptococcus pneumoniae Infection on the Synthesis of Rat Liver Plasma Membranes 1

Abstract

Abstract

The incorporation of [³H]leucine into plasma membranes isolated from liver homogenates of control and Streptococcus pneumoniae-infected rats was studied. Rats were injected with [³H]leucine and at selected times after injection, specific and total activities of the label were determined in isolated plasma membranes. During this pneumococcal infection, there was a significant increase in the incorporation of label into plasma membranes. These results suggest increased synthesis of liver cell plasma membranes during S. pneumoniae infection. The possible significance of these results is discussed.