Effect of Tryptophan on Livers of Pregnant and Lactating Rats and Their Fetuses and Pups 1

Abstract

The effect of the administration of L-tryptophan on hepatic polyribosomes and protein synthesis in pregnant rats and their fetuses and in lactating rats and their pups was investigated. Pregnant rats tube-fed tryptophan 1 hr before killing revealed increased hepatic protein synthesis but essentially unmodified polyribosomal aggregation of maternal livers while no changes were observed in fetal livers in comparison to controls (water-treated). Lactating rats tube-fed tryptophan 1 hr before killing revealed increased polyribosomal aggregation and protein synthesis of the livers in comparison to controls. Pups of these mothers that received tryptophan intraperitoneally 1 hr before killing did not reveal a significant change in the hepatic polyribosomes or protein synthesis.