Depression of Enzyme Activity by Cortisone: An Effect on Serine Metabolism

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Abstract
The effect of corticosteroid administration on selected enzymes of hepatic serine metabolism has been studied. Male rats were fed diets of varying protein content and cortisone acetate was given daily for 7 days. The results demonstrated a marked decline in the activity of 2 synthetic enzymes, 3-P-glycerate dehydrogenase and D-glycerate dehydrogenase, when cortisone was given, regardless of diet. The catabolic enzyme, serine dehydratase, was simultaneously markedly increased. Lactic dehydrogenase and L-[alpha]-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase did not change with corticosteroid administration. The unique decline in enzyme activity noted in these studies may participate in the over-all gluconeogenic effect of corticosteroids.