SOME EFFECTS OF PREGNANCY AND LACTATION ON THE LIVER

Abstract

Little is known of the changes occurring in the liver during pregnancy and lactation. The ratios of liver weight and liver protein to body weight are increased in pregnant rats [Bokelmann & Scheringer, 1932], and more of the maternal protein is apportioned to the liver in pregnant rats than in non-pregnant controls [Poo, Lew & Addis, 1939; Poo, Lew, Lee & Addis, 1940]. The total nucleic acid content is considerably raised, both deoxyribonucleic and ribonucleic acids taking part [Davidson & Waymouth, 1944]. There is an increase of the ascorbic acid content of the livers of mice and rats during pregnancy [Kennaway & Kennaway, 1944; Kennaway & Tipler, 1947]. The arginase content of the liver of rats is normal during pregnancy but increased during lactation [Folley & Greenbaum, 1947]. Since during pregnancy and lactation the maternal organism has to provide the material for a very rapid protein synthesis, considerable changes in