Effect of non-lethal scalding on the amount of DNA and RNA in rat liver

The quantities of DNA and RNA were measured in rat liver homogenate, supernatant and nuclei after scalding. Maximal increases of nuclear DNA and RNA were found 12 h after thermal injury. The RNA content in the rat liver supernatant and homogenate reached its maximum at 24 and 48 h, respectively. The results obtained in this study show that the thermal injury resulted in an activation of the genetic apparatus in rat liver cells. These findings correspond well with a significant role of the liver in post-traumatic metabolism.