Studies on the Liver Function in special Reference to the Influence of Steroidhormone

Abstract

With a view of clarifying the liver function under the influence of steroidhormone, the author observed the liver nitrogen, the liver enzymes and the serum protein pattern of rats affected by the removal of the suprarenal gland, the castration and the administration of steroidhormone.The results were as follows : 1. a) The removal of the suprarenal gland was followed by a decrease in the level of protein, cholinesterase and catalase activities in the liver, and a decrease in that of serum albumin.b) The castration was followed by a decrease in the level of serum albumin and an increase in that of serum γ-globulin, without producing any appreciable change in the liver protein and enzymes.2. a) Administration of corticoid on normal rats was followed by a decrease in the level of protein, cholinesterase and catalase activities in the liver, without producing any appreciable change in the serum protein pattern.b) Administration of androgen on normal rats was followed by an increase in the level of the liver protein and in that of serum protein.c) Administration of estrogen on normal rats was followed by a decrease in the level of protein, cholinesterase and catalase activities in the liver.3. The level of the liver nitrogen and the liver enzyme activities in male rats was higher than in female rats, but there was no difference between male and female rats in the serum protein pattern. In the male rats with chronic liver damage induced by the inhalation of CCl4 vapour was found a decrease in the level of the liver nitrogen, cholinesterase and catalase activities, but in the female rats was found a decrease in the level of the liver cholinesterase and catalase activities.In the recovery process after chronic liver damage, were restored the liver enzyme activities more quickly in female rats than in male rats.4. The rats administered corticoid in the process of the inhalation of CCl4, vapour were followed by a decrease in the level of the liver catalase activities as compared with the control, but on the contrary by an increase in that of albumin and a decrease in that of γ-globulin in the serum protein pattern.5. In the rats with chronic liver damage induced by the inhalation of CCl4 vapour, was examined the effect of steroidhormone on the recovery from the liver damage : a) Administration of corticoid was followed by a decrease in the level of cholinesterase activity in the liver, but on the contrary by an increase in that of serum albumin and a decrease in that of serum γ-globulin.b) Administration of androgen was followed by no remarkable change.c) Administration of estrogen was followed by a decrease in the level of the liver transaminase activity.d) The castration was followed by a decrease in the level of the liver transaminase activity. But when androgen was given to the castrated rats, found an increase in the level of the liver protein and the liver transaminase activity and also that of serum albumin, and a decrease in that of serum γ-globulin. e) Administration of androgen with corticoid was followed by a decrease in the level of the cholinesterase activity, but by an increase in that of serum albumin and a decrease in that of serum γ-globulin.f) Administration of estrogen with corticoid was followed by a decrease in the level of the liver cholinesterase and catalase activities, and also by a decrease in that of serum γ-globulin.