Liver polyribosome distribution intact and adrenalectomized rats exposed to gamma-radiation

The mechanism(s) by which gamma radiation influences liver polyribosome distribution was studied in groups of intact and adrenalectomized male rats. The animals were divided among four subgroups: (1) control; (2) irradiation only; (3) cortisone only; (4) irradiation plus cortisone. Analysis of the liver polyribosome distribution patterns indicated that a shift from light to heavy aggregates occurred in both intact and adrenalectomized rats after they were exposed to gamma rays. In irradiated adrenalectomized rats, however, the shift to heavier aggregates was not as great as that which occurred in irradiated adrenal-intact animals. Subcutaneous injection of cortisone acetate (10 mg/100 g body weight) also altered the liver polyribosome patterns of both intact and adrenalectomized rats within 8 hours of its administration. The shift which occurred following cortisone administration, however, was less striking than that seen after irradiation only. Thus, although adrenal glucocorticoids contribute to the radiation induced shift in liver polyribosomes in adrenal intact rats, other factors appear to be involved, since the shift is also obtained in adrenalectomized animals.