The mechanism by which administration of individual amino acids causes changes in the ribonucleic acid metabolism of the liver

Abstract

The reason for the increase in P32 uptake by liver RNA after administration of large amounts of glycine, methionine or leucine to rats was investigated. Normal rats killed 18 hour after feeding these amino acids showed deposition of glycogen in their livers, whereas adrenalectomized animals did not exhibit this effect. Administration of cortisone to rats caused the same changes in liver-RNA metabolism as those observed after feeding the amino acids. Adrenalectomized rats no longer showed an increased uptake of P32 into liver RNA when methionine or leucine was given, but feeding with glycine was still effective. Methionine and leucine produce their action on liver-RNA metabolism through stimulation of adrenocortical activity.