Related Experiment Videos
Asialoglycoprotein receptor expression in murine pregnancy and development
Hepatology (Baltimore, Md.)
|January 1, 1984
Summary
Pregnancy significantly boosts hepatic asialoglycoprotein receptor activity in mice, enhancing liver cell endocytosis. This physiological change, observed in both mothers and developing fetuses, highlights a unique receptor modulation.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Endocrinology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- The hepatic asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR) plays a crucial role in liver function.
- Understanding ASGPR regulation in physiological states like pregnancy is vital for reproductive and liver health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the changes in hepatic asialoglycoprotein receptor activity during murine pregnancy.
- To determine the impact of pregnancy on receptor-mediated endocytosis in hepatocytes.
Main Methods:
- Assessed hepatic ASGPR activity in pregnant mice throughout gestation and postpartum.
- Measured asialoorosomucoid endocytosis by isolated hepatocytes.
- Examined receptor expression and localization (intracellular and cell-surface).
Main Results:
- ASGPR activity increased significantly from day 10 of gestation, peaking near parturition.
- Enhanced endocytosis of asialoorosomucoid by isolated hepatocytes was observed.
- Fetal ASGPR activity was low during gestation, increasing postnatally to adult levels.
Conclusions:
- Murine pregnancy induces a significant, transient increase in hepatic ASGPR activity, exceeding normal adult levels.
- This modulation involves both intracellular and cell-surface receptors, enhancing hepatocyte endocytic function.
- The findings represent the first demonstration of ASGPR concentration exceeding normal levels due to a physiological change.