Download PDF
Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 1995; 103(1): 21-27
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1211325
Original

© J. A. Barth Verlag in Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Hormonal response of primary hepatocytes of the clawed toad, Xenopus laevis

T. Ade, H. Segner, W. Hanke1
  • Department of Zoology, The University, Karlsruhe, Germany
1 To whom requests for reprints should be addressed. The work was supported by grants from DFG, Ha 78. Address of corresponding author: Prof. Dr. W. Hanke, Zoologisches Institut II, Universität Karlsruhe, Postfach, Karlsruhe
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
15 July 2009 (online)

Also available at
  PDF Download  Permissions and Reprints

Summary

Freshly isolated hepatocytes of the clawed toad, Xenopus laevis, were cultured for at least 3 days. The viability of the cells was characterized using staining and biochemical methods. In particular, the glucose and glycogen balance was tested. After culture for 16–20 hrs, the cells were subjected to hormonal treatment. Both adrenaline and arginine vasotocin stimulated the release of glucose in a dose dependent manner. 10−6 M concentrations were strongly effective. The determination of the glycogen balance made it clear that the glucose release is mainly due to glycogenosis. Using receptor antagonists and agonists, it has been shown that the effect of adrenaline is clearly mediated by β-type receptors. Arginine vasotocin stimulated glycogenosis via a type of receptor which is similar to the V2-receptor of mammals. This means that cAMP is involved in the response to both types of hormones which is in contrast to that which is known about the effect of nonapeptides on the liver of mammals.

Key words

Amphibian hepatocytes - glycogenosis - catecholamines - nonapeptides - clawed toad

      >