Inhibition of hepatic alanine transaminase activity in response to treatment with 11-deoxycorticosterone.

Abstract

SummaryDaily administration of DOC for short periods resulted in a 60 to 70% depression in liver alanine transaminase activity. Adrenalectomy also caused a decrease in activity of alanine transaminase, but no further reduction in the level of this enzyme was observed upon treatment with DOC. Treatment with ACTH resulted in an increase in alanine transaminase activity in hypophysectomized rats, but not in adrenalectomized animals. Administration of DOC to hypophysectomized rats failed to lower alanine transaminase, nor did it alter the response of this enzyme to treatment with ACTH. The inhibitory effect of DOC on alanine transaminase activity appears to be due to suppression of ACTH release by the pituitary.