Induction of hepatic tyrosine aminotransferase by physiological stress: relation to endogenous glucocorticoid secretion and cytosol receptor depletion.

Abstract

Exposure of normal rats to a brief period of physical stress provokes a burst of corticosterone secretion which results in a rapid and transient depeletion of glucocorticoid receptor from liver cytosol and the subsequent induction of the hepatic enzyme tyrosine aminotransferase. Both receptor depletion and the rise in enzyme activity are shown to require the presence of intact adrenal glands. This is the first demonstration of an effect of a physiological change in glucocorticoid hormone secretion on cytosol receptor levels and a coupled physiological response.