An inverse correlation between hepatic ornithine decarboxylase and S-adenosylmethionine in rats

The comparative effects of the subchronic administration to rats of ethionine-supplemented and of chemically defined methyl-deficient diets on the hepatic levels of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) and of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), an enzyme marker of cell proliferation, were studied. Both treatments led to decreased hepatic levels of SAM and to marked increased activities in ODC. Both systems led to significant inverse correlations between ODC and SAM. In rats fed the methyl-deficient diets, hepatic levels of SAM were generally proportional to the dietary content of methionine and choline. The metabolic increases in S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase (SAMDC) observed in the livers of methyl-deficient rats were proportional to the changes seen in ODC.