Time-dependent changes in aggregation of hepatic ribosomes after meal feeding of rats

The effects of consumption of a meal on changes in aggregation of hepatic ribosomes were studied. Hepatic ribosomes were aggregated very rapidly, within 10-20 min, after meal feeding a 25% casein diet. This response of hepatic ribosomes is faster than the half-life of mRNAs of some liver proteins. Therefore, when rats are fed, the translational changes in protein synthesis (polysome pattern) might be quickly affected by the dietary protein, and the observed aggregation of ribosomes could indicate the state of protein synthesis in liver in vivo.