The effect of hormones on the expression of five isoforms of UDP- glucuronosyltransferase in primary cultures of rat hepatocytes

Abstract

Purpose. To investigate the direct effects of sex hormones, growth hormone, thyroid hormones and dexamethasone on the regulation of UDP- glucuronosyltransferase (UGT). Methods. Rat hepatocytes were cultured on matrigel and treated with various hormones. Northern blot analysis was carried out using cDNA probes to family 1 and family 2 isoforms. Results. Treatment with 10-5 M testosterone increased the mRNA levels of UGT 2B1 by 29% and UGT2B3 by 32%. Incubation of growth hormone (10 mU) with hepatocytes suppressed the expression of UGT2B1 and UGT2B3 by 17% and 38%, respectively. T3 administration resulted in a time and dose-dependent effect on the expression of UGT 1 isoforms, with increased U..