Abstract

Glucagon addition to isolated rat hepatocytes increases the level of Cyclic AMP inside the cells and the activity of the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase. These effects of glucagon are time and dose dependent and are detectable at hormone concentration as low as 0.02nM. The glucagon concentrations causing half-maximal increases in Cyclic AMP production and phenylalanine hydroxylase activity are 0.2nM and 0.1 nM respectively. When hepatocytes are incubated with norepinephrine or the ionophore A23187, at concentrations between 1 nM and 10 μM, a slight increase in enzyme activity is seen only at the highest dose of either drug. The effect of norepinephrine can be completely antagonized by 20 μM propranolol but not by 20 μM ergocryptine. These results suggest that the activity of phenylalanine hydroxylase can be hormonally regulated, in vivo , through a phosphorylation mechanism catalyzed by a Cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.