Mediator of Hepatic Amino Acid Flux in Infected Rats

Abstract

SummaryLive D. pneumoniae, but not endotoxin or double-stranded polynucleotides, stimulated a flux of cycloleucine into liver. Sterile, 2-hr serum from D. pneumoniae-infected rats and secretions obtained from rat peritoneal leukocytes can also mediate a flux of cycloleucine into liver of normal recipient rats. The data were interpreted as evidence that one or more proteins synthesized and excreted by leukocytes can act as humoral intermediates in the stimulation of amino acid flux into liver tissue.