Stimulation of liver growth and DNA synthesis by glucosylceramide.
The nature of the growth-stimulating effect of glucosylceramide was studied. Mice were injected intraperitoneally with emulsified glucosylceramide and conduritol B epoxide, an inhibitor of cerebroside glucosidase. Within one or two days, the liver grew 18-24%, as reported. Two enzymes involved in DNA synthesis also increased more than the weight. The total liver activity of thymidine kinase increased 46-73%, and the total activity of ornithine decarboxylase increased as much as 101%. It is suggested that elevated liver levels of glucocerebroside stimulate cell proliferation through a relatively direct mechanism.
Datta
S C
SC
Mental Health Research Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
Radin
N S
NS
D000818:Animals; D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects; D002554:Cerebrosides / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004247:DNA / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D005963:Glucosylceramides / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008099:Liver / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development; D051379:Mice; D009955:Ornithine Decarboxylase / Q000378:metabolism; D013937:Thymidine Kinase / Q000378:metabolism
D002554:Cerebrosides; D005963:Glucosylceramides; D004247:DNA; D013937:Thymidine Kinase; D009955:Ornithine Decarboxylase