AMINO-ACID-INCORPORATION INTO LIVER PROTEINS DURING SHORT-TERM LIGATION OF THE HEPATIC-ARTERY IN THE DOG

Amino acid incorporation into liver proteins was studied with an in vitro method during and after a short-term hepatic artery ligation (HAL) in the dog. The incorporation of amino acids into liver proteins was linear for up to 4 h of incubation. An optimal incorporation rate was found with the leucine concentration used in the medium. After 1 h of HAL. the incorporation rate was 58% (p < 0.01) of the initial value. After reopening the hepatic artery, the incorporation rate significantly increased and was 75% of the initial value 120 min after the HAL period. No changes in the concentration of potassium or liver enzymes in peripheral, portal or hepatic venous blood were seen during the experiments. It is concluded that the method used to study the incorporation of amino acids into liver proteins is a sensitive tool in evaluating the metabolic effects of a short-term HAL. © 1979 S. Karger AG, Basel.