Diet and the action of cortisone on protein metabolism

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Abstract
The effect of cortisone on N balance and on liver protein and ribonucleic acid content has been studied on rats receiving diets varying in protein and in energy content. The catabolic action of cortisone on the body as a whole was independent of the protein and energy content of the diet, whereas the anabolic action of cortisone on the liver was greater when the dietary energy intake was high. The adenosine phosphate content of the liver was affected by the level of energy in the diet, even in the cortisone-treated series of animals. It has been concluded that loss of protein from the carcass after cortisone administration results in a greater supply of amino acids for other organs and in consequence protein synthesis in these organs and urea formation are increased. The capacity of the liver to utilize amino acids arising from the carcass is probably dependent on the supply of energy available in the liver cell.