Indirect dexamethasone down-regulation of the liver fatty acid-binding protein expression in rat liver

The effects of glucocorticoids on the regulation of the liver fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP) were studied in vivo and in primary culture of hepatocytes in rats. No change in L-FABP cytosolic content and mRNA levels occurred after adrenalectomy. By contrast, a twofold decrease in L-FABP expression was found in dexamethasone (Dex) treated rats. In primary culture of rat hepatocytes, insulin did not modify the L-FABP mRNA levels, whereas Dex produced a significant decrease. This down-regulation was independent of specific glucocorticoid receptors, of alteration in the turnover of L-FABP mRNA and did not require a de novo protein synthesis. However, it was totally prevented when 320 microM oleic acid was added in the culture medium. These findings show that the dex-mediated down-regulation of the L-FABP expression found in vivo is not due to a direct endocrine effect, but is likely secondary to changes in cellular lipid metabolism.