Influence of methionine administration on serum alpha-fetoprotein levels in ethionine-injured rats

Abstract
Serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) concentrations increased promptly 2 days following a single injection of DL-ethionine (ethionine) in adult female rats. Continuous elevation of serum AFP was also observed on feeding a diet containing 1% ethionine for at least 2–3 weeks. A rise of serum AFP was not found if the diet was supplemented with 2.8% methionine. Furthermore, in rats fed on 1% ethionine for 2 weeks, dietary change to the laboratory chow supplemented with and without 2.8% methionine produced a decrease of increased serum AFP levels.