Abstract
The enzymic activity of Galactose-1-phosphate uridyl transferase in the liver which plays an important role in galactose metabolism is large in the period of suckling and decreases with the depletion of milk. In order to elucidate the mechanism of this physiological change of the enzyme, the following experiment was performed.
From the assumption that the induction of the enzyme may occur by galactose which is contained in milk, galactose was given to albino rats of various stages of developments. The enzymic activity, however, did not show any significant changes. The effects of adrenocortical hormone, cortisone and hydrocortisone on the enzymic activity in the period of suckling was remarkably decreased by the administration of the hormone but was not influenced by the hormone in the periods of weaning and depletion of milk.
On the other hand the blood concentration of the hormone is low in the period of suckling, and increases with the process of development. Therefore, it is well considered that the changes of the enzyme in the liver with depletion of milk is controlled by the adrenocortical hormone. Galactose-1-phosphate (Gal-1-P) uridyl transferase
