Effect of erythropoietin and testosterone on bone marrow RNA synthesis in rats with protein-energy or protein malnutrition

Abstract

RNA synthesis was studied in bone marrow of rats with protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) and protein malnutrition (PM) after the administration of erythro-poietin (Epo) and/or testosterone (Te). RNA synthesis appeared slighty increased in PEM animals, 25% by Epo; 66% by Te while not alteration was induced by Epo and Te together. In PM rats a considerable decrease of RNA synthesis was observed. These results would indicate that the use of 14C-formate as a labelled precursor to estimate DE NOVO RNA synthesis is a reliable experimental variable for testing bone marrow function. The data presented suggest that while in PEM the biochemical machinery required to synthesize RNA remains basically unchanged. PM induces important metabolic disturbance. © 1988 Pergamon Press plc. All rights reserved.