Induction of hepatic metallothionein by salicylate in adult rats.

Application of salicylate increased the concentration of metallothionein (MT) in liver of pregnant rats as well as of adult male rats, whereas in fetal liver, MT was reduced by salicylate. Induction of MT synthesis by salicylate is an indirect effect because in cultured hepatocytes salicylate did not induce MT synthesis. Salicylate increased MT also in adrenalectomized rats. Indomethacin induced the same concentration of MT in maternal liver as salicylate. However, indomethacin had no effect on MT in fetal liver. Induction of MT in adult liver by salicylate and indomethacin was independent of zinc.