Age-related growth of the spleen in normal and glucocorticoid treated rats.
1. Age-related changes in the growth, nucleic acid content and protein turnover of the spleen have been studied in normal male rats. 2. A rapid and marked atrophy of the spleen, was found 24 hr after exposure to cortisone or dexamethasone; increased rates of protein breakdown being primarily responsible. 3. Nonetheless, the total amount of protein synthesized in the spleen (measured in vivo) was significantly decreased (30-50%) 24 hr after exposure to these steroids. 4. This compared with only a 15% decrease in whole body protein synthesis, indicating a more pronounced hormonal effect on the spleen than on most other body tissues.
D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects; D003348:Cortisone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008297:Male; D011506:Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats; D012741:Sexual Maturation; D013154:Spleen / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000378:metabolism; D013997:Time Factors
D011506:Proteins; D003907:Dexamethasone; D003348:Cortisone