The effect of growth hormone on the metabolism of lipids and on urea formation by the perfused rat liver

Livers obtained from fasted or fed rats were perfused for 90 minutes with blood from fasted rats with the addition of growth hormone (GH) and/or hyperlipemic serum (HLS). The addition of GH to the perfusate led to a decrease in the levels of blood sugar, nonesterified fatty acids and triglycerides. When HLS was added to the perfusate, GH again decreased the levels of blood sugar, nonesterified fatty acids and triglycerides. There was no significant change in the levels of phospholipids, cholesterol esters, free cholesterol, ketone bodies and urea of the perfusate when GH was added.