Distribution and incorporation of [ 3H]orotic acid in free and membrane-bound ribosomes in rat liver after whole body γ-irradiation and prolonged fasting

Abstract

Following either whole body γ-irradiation or prolonged fasting, membrane-attached ribosomes in liver were more heavily labeled with [ 3H]orotic acid than free ribosomes. Furthermore, there was a higher percentage of free ribosomes in the selected post-mitochondrial population. In contrast, the distribution of these two classes of ribosomes in the post-nuclear supernatant was unaltered. Thus, it appears unlikely that the irradiated liver cell responds by increasing free ribosome synthesis following exposure.