A comparison of gluconeogenesis in hepatocytes from neonatal and adult rats

1. A method for the preparation of hepatocytes from livers of 11-15-day old rats is described. These cells in general behave similarly to hepatocytes made from adult rats with respect to stimulation of gluconeogenesis by glucagon and adrenaline and the effects of added oleate. 2. Significant differences in the behaviour of hepatocytes from neonatal and adult rats were nevertheless seen in certain situations, e.g. with alanine as gluconeogenic substrate, and appeared to be related to the redox state of the cells. 3. The importance of redox state upon gluconeogenesis was examined in more detail by determining the effects of oleate, ethanol and DL-3-hydroxybutyrate alone and in combinations. Major differences between neonatal and adult hepatocytes were again observed with alanine as substrate. 4. A discussion concludes that, while some relevant differences in the enzyme complements of neonatal and adult rat livers are known, it is the high capacity of the neonatal liver to generate reducing power by oxidation of fatty acid that can explain the observed differences.