Influence of thermal acclimation on glucose production and ketogenesis in isolated eel hepatocytes

Hepatocytes were isolated by collagenase perfusion of the liver from adult eels (Anguilla anguilla L.) acclimated to different temperatures. Whereas the relative weight of the liver increased in cold-acclimated fish, hepatocytes from 10- and 20 degrees C-acclimated animals did not differ in cellular weight, dry weight, or protein content. Endogenous rates of oxygen consumption and respiratory control ratios were independent of acclimation temperature. There was no effect of temperature on triacylglycerol content, but glycogen concentration was significantly higher in hepatocytes of cold-acclimated fish. Liver cells from cold-acclimated eels exhibited higher rates of glucose release and ketogenesis than those from warm-acclimated animals. It is concluded that the increase in acetoacetate production induced by cold acclimation results primarily from a higher rate of lipolysis. Cellular interactions between ketogenesis and gluconeogenesis are demonstrated and discussed.