In our study we report on the effects of portacaval shunts on protein synthesis in the liver, pancreas, stomach, small and large intestine in rats. The tests were performed 7, 10 and 13 weeks after the surgery. [3H]-glycine incorporation was measured with liquid scintillation techniques. Generally, in comparison to the controls, labeled glycine incorporation was decreased in all tested organs and experimental periods. 7 weeks after the shunting labeled glycine incorporation decreased in all organs except the pancreas. 10 weeks after the surgery the decrease was manifested in all organs and proved most dramatic in the liver, pancreas and large intestine. 13 weeks after the shunting in all tested organs radioactivity was lower too (except for the liver, where a slight and statistically insignificant rise occurred). The changes in protein biosynthesis described in this paper seem to reflect disturbances in the functioning of the alimentary tract organs after portacaval shunting.

Keywords: alimentary tract, portacaval shunt, protein synthesis