Effect of Fasting and Refeeding on Pancreatic DNA Synthesis and Content

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Abstract
The effects of fasting and refeeding on rat pancreatic DNA content and rates of [14C]thymidine incorporation into DNA were determined. The following changes were observed following fasting for 2, 4 and 6 days or fasting for 6 days with refeeding for 1, 2 and 3 days. Pancreatic weight decreased 8, 28 and 43% and then increased 23, 12 and 36%; DNA content decreased 2, 9 and 20% and then increased 6, 4 and 16%. [14C]Thymidine incorporation into DNA decreased 40, 69 and 86% and then increased 70, 267 and 511%. The influence of fasting and refeeding on rates of pancreatic DNA synthesis and on DNA content was shown. Control studies demonstrated similar decreases in kidney, muscle and spleen. These changes represent complex metabolic adaptive responses to food deprivation. The changes may be mediated in part by lack of substrate but also likely reflect alterations in the hormonal milieu.