T. Ade et al., HORMONAL RESPONSE OF PRIMARY HEPATOCYTES OF THE CLAWED TOAD, XENOPUS-LAEVIS, EXPERIMENTAL AND CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY & DIABETES, 103(1), 1995, pp. 21-27
Freshly isolated hepatocytes of the clawed toad, Xenopus laevis, were
cultured for at least 3 days. The viability of the cells was character
ized using staining and biochemical methods. In particular, the glucos
e and glycogen balance was tested. After culture for 16-20 hrs, the ce
lls were subjected to hormonal treatment. Both adrenaline and arginine
vasotocin stimulated the release of glucose in a dose dependent manne
r. 10-(6) M concentrations were strongly effective. The determination
of the glycogen balance made it clear that the glucose release is main
ly due to glycogenolysis. Using receptor antagonists and agonists, it
has been shown that the effect of adrenaline is clearly mediated by be
ta-type receptors. Arginine vasotocin stimulated glycogenolysis via a
type of receptor which is similar to the V-2-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 nonap
eptides on the liver of mammals.