Intact endoplasmic reticulum and albumin synthesis in rat liver cell suspensions

Abstract Suspensions of single liver cells were prepared from adult rat liver using collagenase and hyaluronidase. The ultrastructure of the cells was well preserved. The cells incorporated 14 C -1-l- leucine into protein at a constant rate for at least 1 h. Between 9% and 15% of the added radioactive leucine had been incorporated into total protein after 90 min. The ratio of albumin synthesis to total protein synthesis was 3.4%, being the same as in intact liver in vivo.