Stimulation of hepatic beta-hydroxy-beta-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase activity in hypophysectomized rats by L-triiodothyronine.

Diurnally varying activity of hepatic beta-hydroxy-beta-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (EC 1.1.1.34) was decreased to very low levels in hypophysectomized rats with no discernable diurnal rhythm retained. Administration of triiodothyronine (100 mug/100 g of body weight) produced a supranormal level of reductase activity, about 3-4 times the highest activity found in normal rats. Reductase activity began to rise about 30 hr after hormone administration, maintained a constant high level from 48 to 72 hr, and declined to the control level by 96 hr. The supranormal response was elicited equally well either during the day or at night. When normal animals received triiodothyronine, reductase activity was increased only to a level comparable to the highest level found in normal rats. Administration of hydrocortisone markedly inhibited the triiodothyronine-induced increase in reductase activity. This finding suggests that glucocorticoids might act to suppress and thus account for the smaller increase in reductase activity observed in normal rats given triiodothyronine. When actinomycin D was given before the triiodothyronine-induced rise in reductase activity, the increase was effectively blocked, indicating that the hormonal effect requires new RNA synthesis.